Chapter XXIII · Chapter 23

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

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

plural of “absence” — the state of being absent

From this reading The fact was that Dr. Melton had upheld her in her wish to nurse her baby herself, which limited her to very short absences from the house and to a very quiet life within doors.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

(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 This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

in addition

From this reading She also discovered that the servant problem was by no means simplified by the new member of the family.

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

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

beautiful daughter of Minos and Pasiphae; she fell in love with Theseus and gave him the thread with which he found his way out of the Minotaur's labyrinth

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

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

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence

From this reading She felt now a more assured physical poise than ever before, and could not attribute her disappearance from Endbury social life to weakness.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

a construct whereby objects or individuals can be distinguished

From this reading She felt now a more assured physical poise than ever before, and could not attribute her disappearance from Endbury social life to weakness.

a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk

From this reading The fact was that Dr. Melton had upheld her in her wish to nurse her baby herself, which limited her to very short absences from the house and to a very quiet life within doors.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading She also discovered that the servant problem was by no means simplified by the new member of the family.

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

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

the act of leaving secretly or without explanation

From this reading She felt now a more assured physical poise than ever before, and could not attribute her disappearance from Endbury social life to weakness.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading She also discovered that the servant problem was by no means simplified by the new member of the family.

plural of “disorder” — a physical condition in which there is a disturbance of normal functioning

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading The fact was that Dr. Melton had upheld her in her wish to nurse her baby herself, which limited her to very short absences from the house and to a very quiet life within doors.

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

From this reading The fact was that Dr. Melton had upheld her in her wish to nurse her baby herself, which limited her to very short absences from the house and to a very quiet life within doors.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

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

From this reading She felt now a more assured physical poise than ever before, and could not attribute her disappearance from Endbury social life to weakness.

at any time

From this reading She felt now a more assured physical poise than ever before, and could not attribute her disappearance from Endbury social life to weakness.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading The fact was that Dr. Melton had upheld her in her wish to nurse her baby herself, which limited her to very short absences from the house and to a very quiet life within doors.

a social unit living together

From this reading She also discovered that the servant problem was by no means simplified by the new member of the family.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading She felt now a more assured physical poise than ever before, and could not attribute her disappearance from Endbury social life to weakness.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

set up or found

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading She felt now a more assured physical poise than ever before, and could not attribute her disappearance from Endbury social life to weakness.

the childhood of a girl

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

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

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

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

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

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

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading The fact was that Dr. Melton had upheld her in her wish to nurse her baby herself, which limited her to very short absences from the house and to a very quiet life within doors.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The fact was that Dr. Melton had upheld her in her wish to nurse her baby herself, which limited her to very short absences from the house and to a very quiet life within doors.

affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

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

From this reading The fact was that Dr. Melton had upheld her in her wish to nurse her baby herself, which limited her to very short absences from the house and to a very quiet life within doors.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

small in range or scope

From this reading The fact was that Dr. Melton had upheld her in her wish to nurse her baby herself, which limited her to very short absences from the house and to a very quiet life within doors.

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

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

an ancient region on the coast of western Asia Minor; a powerful kingdom until conquered by the Persians in 546 BC

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

engage in

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

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 This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

the state of being pregnant; the period from conception to birth when a woman carries a developing fetus in her uterus

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading She also discovered that the servant problem was by no means simplified by the new member of the family.

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

From this reading The fact was that Dr. Melton had upheld her in her wish to nurse her baby herself, which limited her to very short absences from the house and to a very quiet life within doors.

one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading She also discovered that the servant problem was by no means simplified by the new member of the family.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

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

From this reading She felt now a more assured physical poise than ever before, and could not attribute her disappearance from Endbury social life to weakness.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading She also discovered that the servant problem was by no means simplified by the new member of the family.

not any; not one

From this reading She also discovered that the servant problem was by no means simplified by the new member of the family.

conforming with or constituting a norm or standard or level or type or social norm; not abnormal

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

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

From this reading She felt now a more assured physical poise than ever before, and could not attribute her disappearance from Endbury social life to weakness.

try to cure by special care of treatment, of an illness or injury

From this reading The fact was that Dr. Melton had upheld her in her wish to nurse her baby herself, which limited her to very short absences from the house and to a very quiet life within doors.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

be motionless, in suspension

From this reading She felt now a more assured physical poise than ever before, and could not attribute her disappearance from Endbury social life to weakness.

a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading She also discovered that the servant problem was by no means simplified by the new member of the family.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading The fact was that Dr. Melton had upheld her in her wish to nurse her baby herself, which limited her to very short absences from the house and to a very quiet life within doors.

with speed

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

freed from illness or injury

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

take up or begin anew

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

an unvarying or habitual method or procedure

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

a reason for wanting something done

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading She also discovered that the servant problem was by no means simplified by the new member of the family.

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

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading The fact was that Dr. Melton had upheld her in her wish to nurse her baby herself, which limited her to very short absences from the house and to a very quiet life within doors.

inflected form of “simplify” — make simpler or easier or reduce in complexity or extent

From this reading She also discovered that the servant problem was by no means simplified by the new member of the family.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

a liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading She felt now a more assured physical poise than ever before, and could not attribute her disappearance from Endbury social life to weakness.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The fact was that Dr. Melton had upheld her in her wish to nurse her baby herself, which limited her to very short absences from the house and to a very quiet life within doors.

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

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

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

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

inflected form of “uphold” — keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last

From this reading The fact was that Dr. Melton had upheld her in her wish to nurse her baby herself, which limited her to very short absences from the house and to a very quiet life within doors.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.

precisely as stated

From this reading The fact was that Dr. Melton had upheld her in her wish to nurse her baby herself, which limited her to very short absences from the house and to a very quiet life within doors.

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

From this reading FOR ARIADNE'S SAKE Little Ariadne was six months old before Lydia could begin to make the slightest effort to resume the social routine of her life.

a flaw or weak point

From this reading She felt now a more assured physical poise than ever before, and could not attribute her disappearance from Endbury social life to weakness.

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

From this reading The fact was that Dr. Melton had upheld her in her wish to nurse her baby herself, which limited her to very short absences from the house and to a very quiet life within doors.

hope for; have a wish

From this reading The fact was that Dr. Melton had upheld her in her wish to nurse her baby herself, which limited her to very short absences from the house and to a very quiet life within doors.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading The fact was that Dr. Melton had upheld her in her wish to nurse her baby herself, which limited her to very short absences from the house and to a very quiet life within doors.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading This was not at all on account of ill health, for she had recovered her strength rapidly and completely, and, like a good many normal women, had found maternity a solvent of various slight physical disorders of her girlhood.