Chapter IV · Chapter 4

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

a proposal for an appropriate course of action

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

how long something has existed

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

conforming to your own liking or feelings or nature

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading _Hamlet._ The party below consisted of four individuals all of whom were females.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The latter, at that time, and in that country, of course appeared only in the character of a humble, though perhaps favoured domestic.

concerned with concrete problems or data rather than with fundamental principles

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The latter, at that time, and in that country, of course appeared only in the character of a humble, though perhaps favoured domestic.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading _Hamlet._ The party below consisted of four individuals all of whom were females.

a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way

From this reading “They fool me to the top of my bent.”

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading The latter, at that time, and in that country, of course appeared only in the character of a humble, though perhaps favoured domestic.

a young person of either sex

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

past form of “consist” — originate

From this reading _Hamlet._ The party below consisted of four individuals all of whom were females.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading The latter, at that time, and in that country, of course appeared only in the character of a humble, though perhaps favoured domestic.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading The latter, at that time, and in that country, of course appeared only in the character of a humble, though perhaps favoured domestic.

grow worse

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

clear to the mind; with distinct mental discernment

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation

From this reading The latter, at that time, and in that country, of course appeared only in the character of a humble, though perhaps favoured domestic.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The latter, at that time, and in that country, of course appeared only in the character of a humble, though perhaps favoured domestic.

plural of “female” — an animal that produces gametes (ova) that can be fertilized by male gametes

From this reading _Hamlet._ The party below consisted of four individuals all of whom were females.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

a person who lacks good judgment

From this reading “They fool me to the top of my bent.”

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading _Hamlet._ The party below consisted of four individuals all of whom were females.

following the third position; number four in a countable series

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

a community of people smaller than a village

From this reading _Hamlet._ The party below consisted of four individuals all of whom were females.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

low or inferior in station or quality

From this reading The latter, at that time, and in that country, of course appeared only in the character of a humble, though perhaps favoured domestic.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

plural of “individual” — a human being

From this reading _Hamlet._ The party below consisted of four individuals all of whom were females.

capable of being apprehended or understood

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

communication between individuals

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading The latter, at that time, and in that country, of course appeared only in the character of a humble, though perhaps favoured domestic.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

plural of “listener” — someone who listens attentively

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “They fool me to the top of my bent.”

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading “They fool me to the top of my bent.”

a condition requiring relief

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading “They fool me to the top of my bent.”

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

and nothing more

From this reading The latter, at that time, and in that country, of course appeared only in the character of a humble, though perhaps favoured domestic.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading _Hamlet._ The party below consisted of four individuals all of whom were females.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

by chance

From this reading The latter, at that time, and in that country, of course appeared only in the character of a humble, though perhaps favoured domestic.

plural of “revolution” — a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

plural of “season” — a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The latter, at that time, and in that country, of course appeared only in the character of a humble, though perhaps favoured domestic.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading “They fool me to the top of my bent.”

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading “They fool me to the top of my bent.”

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The latter, at that time, and in that country, of course appeared only in the character of a humble, though perhaps favoured domestic.

the starting point for a new state or experience

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The latter, at that time, and in that country, of course appeared only in the character of a humble, though perhaps favoured domestic.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading “They fool me to the top of my bent.”

the upper part of anything

From this reading “They fool me to the top of my bent.”

lacking charm and good taste

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

precisely as stated

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading _Hamlet._ The party below consisted of four individuals all of whom were females.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

which person or people

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading _Hamlet._ The party below consisted of four individuals all of whom were females.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

in the company of; together with

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

the words that are spoken

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

a late time of life

From this reading One was a lady in the decline of her years; another was past the middle age the third was on the very threshold of what is called “life,” as it is applied to intercourse with the world; and the fourth was a negress, who might have seen some five-and-twenty revolutions of the seasons.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “And now, my child, that I have given you all the advice which circumstances and your own excellent heart need,” said the elderly lady, among the first words that were distinctly intelligible to the listeners, “I will change the ungracious office to one more agreeable.