Chapter XXII · Chapter 22

a proposal for an appropriate course of action

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

a positive feeling of liking

From this reading She had little love for children as children, and when her own were small she had lavished no great amount of affection on them.

(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 But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

in addition

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading It was not altogether surprising then that Jim, when he had been back at Mountfield for three or four days, should have taken her into his confidence.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

a quantity of money

From this reading She had little love for children as children, and when her own were small she had lavished no great amount of affection on them.

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

From this reading She had little love for children as children, and when her own were small she had lavished no great amount of affection on them.

the psychological state of being irritated or annoyed

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

eagerly desirous

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

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

From this reading She had little love for children as children, and when her own were small she had lavished no great amount of affection on them.

state categorically

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

the power or right to give orders or make decisions

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

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

From this reading In the case of other people's children she frankly averred that she didn't understand them and preferred dogs.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading It was not altogether surprising then that Jim, when he had been back at Mountfield for three or four days, should have taken her into his confidence.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It was not altogether surprising then that Jim, when he had been back at Mountfield for three or four days, should have taken her into his confidence.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

an occurrence of something

From this reading In the case of other people's children she frankly averred that she didn't understand them and preferred dogs.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading She had little love for children as children, and when her own were small she had lavished no great amount of affection on them.

past form of “chime” — emit a sound

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

suggestive of companionship

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading It was not altogether surprising then that Jim, when he had been back at Mountfield for three or four days, should have taken her into his confidence.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading It was not altogether surprising then that Jim, when he had been back at Mountfield for three or four days, should have taken her into his confidence.

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

From this reading In the case of other people's children she frankly averred that she didn't understand them and preferred dogs.

plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading In the case of other people's children she frankly averred that she didn't understand them and preferred dogs.

one or the other of two

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

not varying

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading She had little love for children as children, and when her own were small she had lavished no great amount of affection on them.

set up or found

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading It was not altogether surprising then that Jim, when he had been back at Mountfield for three or four days, should have taken her into his confidence.

(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that

From this reading In the case of other people's children she frankly averred that she didn't understand them and preferred dogs.

plural of “gift” — something acquired without compensation

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading THE LIFE Mrs. Graham, in spite of her good points, was not overburdened with the maternal spirit.

United States evangelical preacher famous as a mass evangelist (born in 1918)

From this reading THE LIFE Mrs. Graham, in spite of her good points, was not overburdened with the maternal spirit.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading She had little love for children as children, and when her own were small she had lavished no great amount of affection on them.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading She had little love for children as children, and when her own were small she had lavished no great amount of affection on them.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It was not altogether surprising then that Jim, when he had been back at Mountfield for three or four days, should have taken her into his confidence.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading It was not altogether surprising then that Jim, when he had been back at Mountfield for three or four days, should have taken her into his confidence.

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

From this reading THE LIFE Mrs. Graham, in spite of her good points, was not overburdened with the maternal spirit.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading It was not altogether surprising then that Jim, when he had been back at Mountfield for three or four days, should have taken her into his confidence.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

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

From this reading THE LIFE Mrs. Graham, in spite of her good points, was not overburdened with the maternal spirit.

plural of “inclination” — an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It was not altogether surprising then that Jim, when he had been back at Mountfield for three or four days, should have taken her into his confidence.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was not altogether surprising then that Jim, when he had been back at Mountfield for three or four days, should have taken her into his confidence.

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

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

past form of “lavish” — expend profusely; also used with abstract nouns

From this reading She had little love for children as children, and when her own were small she had lavished no great amount of affection on them.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading THE LIFE Mrs. Graham, in spite of her good points, was not overburdened with the maternal spirit.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading She had little love for children as children, and when her own were small she had lavished no great amount of affection on them.

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading She had little love for children as children, and when her own were small she had lavished no great amount of affection on them.

characteristic of a mother

From this reading THE LIFE Mrs. Graham, in spite of her good points, was not overburdened with the maternal spirit.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

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

From this reading It was not altogether surprising then that Jim, when he had been back at Mountfield for three or four days, should have taken her into his confidence.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading THE LIFE Mrs. Graham, in spite of her good points, was not overburdened with the maternal spirit.

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

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

not any; not one

From this reading She had little love for children as children, and when her own were small she had lavished no great amount of affection on them.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading THE LIFE Mrs. Graham, in spite of her good points, was not overburdened with the maternal spirit.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE LIFE Mrs. Graham, in spite of her good points, was not overburdened with the maternal spirit.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading She had little love for children as children, and when her own were small she had lavished no great amount of affection on them.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was not altogether surprising then that Jim, when he had been back at Mountfield for three or four days, should have taken her into his confidence.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading In the case of other people's children she frankly averred that she didn't understand them and preferred dogs.

heavily burdened with work or cares

From this reading THE LIFE Mrs. Graham, in spite of her good points, was not overburdened with the maternal spirit.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading She had little love for children as children, and when her own were small she had lavished no great amount of affection on them.

possessive form of “people” — (plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading In the case of other people's children she frankly averred that she didn't understand them and preferred dogs.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading THE LIFE Mrs. Graham, in spite of her good points, was not overburdened with the maternal spirit.

more desirable than another

From this reading In the case of other people's children she frankly averred that she didn't understand them and preferred dogs.

plural of “pursuit” — the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

showing reason or sound judgment

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading She had little love for children as children, and when her own were small she had lavished no great amount of affection on them.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading It was not altogether surprising then that Jim, when he had been back at Mountfield for three or four days, should have taken her into his confidence.

the display of a motion picture

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading She had little love for children as children, and when her own were small she had lavished no great amount of affection on them.

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

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading THE LIFE Mrs. Graham, in spite of her good points, was not overburdened with the maternal spirit.

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading THE LIFE Mrs. Graham, in spite of her good points, was not overburdened with the maternal spirit.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

causing surprise or wonder or amazement

From this reading It was not altogether surprising then that Jim, when he had been back at Mountfield for three or four days, should have taken her into his confidence.

an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading It was not altogether surprising then that Jim, when he had been back at Mountfield for three or four days, should have taken her into his confidence.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In the case of other people's children she frankly averred that she didn't understand them and preferred dogs.

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

From this reading THE LIFE Mrs. Graham, in spite of her good points, was not overburdened with the maternal spirit.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading She had little love for children as children, and when her own were small she had lavished no great amount of affection on them.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading It was not altogether surprising then that Jim, when he had been back at Mountfield for three or four days, should have taken her into his confidence.

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

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading It was not altogether surprising then that Jim, when he had been back at Mountfield for three or four days, should have taken her into his confidence.

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

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading In the case of other people's children she frankly averred that she didn't understand them and preferred dogs.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading But she was equable by nature and had companionable gifts, and as Jim and Muriel had grown up they had found their mother pleasant to live with, never anxious to assert authority, and always interested in such of their pursuits as chimed in with her own inclinations; also quite ready with sensible advice and some sympathy when either was required of her, and showing no annoyance at all if the advice was not followed.

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

From this reading THE LIFE Mrs. Graham, in spite of her good points, was not overburdened with the maternal spirit.

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

From this reading She had little love for children as children, and when her own were small she had lavished no great amount of affection on them.

at the time that

From this reading She had little love for children as children, and when her own were small she had lavished no great amount of affection on them.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE LIFE Mrs. Graham, in spite of her good points, was not overburdened with the maternal spirit.