used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
acuteadjectiveUS /əˈkjuːt/
having or experiencing a rapid onset and short but severe course
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
a feeling of delighted approval and liking
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
(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 Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
anticipatingverbUS /ænˈtɪsəpeɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “anticipate” — regard something as probable or likely
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
backwardadverbUS /ˈbækwərd/
at or to or toward the back or rear
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
put or send forth
From this reading Joyce cast at him a look of such dumb terror that for once he was at a complete loss how to proceed.
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
comprehendedadjectiveUS /ˌkɑːmprɪˈhendɪd/
fully understood or grasped
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
conflictingadjectiveUS /kənˈflɪktɪŋ/
in disagreement
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
intentionally conceived
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
ConverseverbUS /ˈkɑːnvərs/
carry on a conversation
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
disadvantagenounUS /ˌdɪsədˈvæntɪdʒ/
the quality of having an inferior or less favorable position
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
discerningadjectiveUS /dɪˈsɜːrnɪŋ/
having or revealing keen insight and good judgment
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
dumbadjectiveUS /dʌm/
slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity
From this reading Joyce cast at him a look of such dumb terror that for once he was at a complete loss how to proceed.
emotionsnounUS /ɪˈmoʊʃənz/
plural of “emotion” — any strong feeling
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
estimationnounUS /ˌestəˈmeɪʃən/
a document appraising the value of something (as for insurance or taxation)
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
morally objectionable behavior
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
exteriornounUS /ɪkˈstɪriər/
the region that is outside of something
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Joyce cast at him a look of such dumb terror that for once he was at a complete loss how to proceed.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
a young female
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
to an extraordinary extent or degree
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Joyce cast at him a look of such dumb terror that for once he was at a complete loss how to proceed.
the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
infirmitynounUS /ɪnˈfɜːrmɪti/
the state of being weak in health or body (especially from old age)
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
free from evil or guilt
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
investedverbUS /ˌɪnˈvestəd/
past form of “invest” — make an investment
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
JoycenounUS /dʒɔɪs/
influential Irish writer noted for his many innovations (such as stream of consciousness writing) (1882-1941)
From this reading Joyce cast at him a look of such dumb terror that for once he was at a complete loss how to proceed.
keeneradjectiveUS /ˈkiːnər/
comparative of “keen” — having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
keenlyadverbUS /ˈkiːnli/
in a keen or penetrating way
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
a room where books are kept
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
something that is lost
From this reading Joyce cast at him a look of such dumb terror that for once he was at a complete loss how to proceed.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
a hard crystalline metamorphic rock that takes a high polish; used for sculpture and as building material
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
monsternounUS /ˈmɑːnstər/
an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
a form of address for a man
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
nonchalantadjectiveUS /ˌnɑːnʃəˈlɑːnt/
marked by blithe unconcern
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
on one occasion
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
pendulumnounUS /ˈpen.dʒə.ləm/
A weight hung from a fixed point so that it can swing freely, often used in timekeeping.
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
potentialities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
prejudicenounUS /ˈpredʒədɪs/
a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
continue talking
From this reading Joyce cast at him a look of such dumb terror that for once he was at a complete loss how to proceed.
showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
satisfyingadjectiveUS /ˈsætɪsfaɪɪŋ/
providing abundant nourishment
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
self-possessedadjective
in full control of your faculties
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Joyce cast at him a look of such dumb terror that for once he was at a complete loss how to proceed.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
sweepverbUS /swiːp/
sweep across or over
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
sympathiesnounUS /ˈsɪmpəθiz/
plural of “sympathy” — an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
From this reading Joyce cast at him a look of such dumb terror that for once he was at a complete loss how to proceed.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
thresholdnounUS /ˈθreʃoʊld/
the starting point for a new state or experience
From this reading A DOOR IS OPENED As Mr. Converse entered the library he stopped short almost on the threshold, conscious of a sudden shock.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
variedadjectiveUS /ˈverid/
characterized by variety
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
vocaladjectiveUS /ˈvoʊkəl/
relating to or designed for or using the singing voice
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
wastedadjectiveUS /ˈweɪstɪd/
serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money
From this reading He bent upon her a keener, more discerning look, and all at once comprehended that a wealth of profound and conflicting emotions were possible behind the marble exterior presented to him.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Could that nonchalant, self-possessed girl be the innocent-- Before the thought was complete his feelings took a pendulum sweep backward: from extreme surprise and acute disappointment that his sympathies had been wasted, to admiration and pity, and a satisfying conviction that, after all, his sympathies were greatly needed.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He realized the many and varied potentialities for evil with which her imagination must have invested him--what a terrible monster he must appear to her--and felt keenly the disadvantage of his vocal infirmity, anticipating that it would further prejudice him in her estimation.
