Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

in an admirable manner

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

later than; following

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

in mentally perceptive and responsive way

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

(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 All his training and hope had been centered upon art.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

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

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading All his training and hope had been centered upon art.

a person whose creative work shows sensitivity and imagination

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

for the reason that

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading All his training and hope had been centered upon art.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

the property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

an edible emulsion of fat globules made by churning milk or cream; for cooking and table use

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

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

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

being or placed in the center

From this reading All his training and hope had been centered upon art.

either side of the face below the eyes

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

one who is the object of choice; who is given preference

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

able to exist and perform in harmonious or agreeable combination

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

soft silky fibers from cotton plants in their raw state

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

A short knife with a pointed and edged blade, used as a stealth weapon.

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

attempting to or designed to prevent an opponent from winning or scoring

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

a longing for something better than the present situation

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

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

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

an act that fails

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

having an (over)abundance of flesh

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

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

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

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

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

shoot down, of birds

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

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

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

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

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

a unit of inductance in which an induced electromotive force of one volt is produced when the current is varied at the rate of one ampere per second

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

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

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading All his training and hope had been centered upon art.

United States publisher who founded a printing shop that became an important book publisher (1823-1895)

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

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

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

impossible to avoid or evade

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

humorously sarcastic or mocking

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

running at a jog trot as a form of cardiopulmonary exercise

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

possessive form of “lion” — large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

past form of “listen” — hear with intention

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

move about in a confused manner

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

used to form the superlative

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

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

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

graphic art consisting of an artistic composition made by applying paints to a surface

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

in a quiet and tranquil manner

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

affix in a public place or for public notice

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

the body of people in a learned occupation

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

A prediction of what will happen in the future, often divinely or magically inspired.

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

an economic state of growth with rising profits and full employment

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

the act of mobilizing for a common purpose

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

showing reason or sound judgment

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

control and direct with or as if by reins

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

-ing form of “renounce” — give up, such as power, as of monarchs and emperors, or duties and obligations

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

reflecting optimism

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

express in words

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

an earnest and sincere feeling

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

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

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

unhealthy looking

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

inflected form of “slap” — hit with something flat, like a paddle or the open hand

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

engaged in a struggle to overcome especially poverty or obscurity

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

the rays of the sun

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

the activity of providing for or maintaining by supplying with money or necessities

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

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

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

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

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

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

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

in the direction of

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

activity leading to skilled behavior

From this reading All his training and hope had been centered upon art.

not successful; having failed or having an unfavorable outcome

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

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

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading All his training and hope had been centered upon art.

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

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

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

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

inefficient in use of time and effort and materials

From this reading The fact that, after renouncing it, an admirably managed cotton mill provided bread and butter for sickly sisters and wasteful brothers, to say nothing of his own modest prosperity, never made up to him for the career of a struggling and probably unsuccessful artist--which he might have had.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

at the time that

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

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

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

past form of “whistle” — make whistling sounds

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

the sound made by something moving rapidly or by steam coming out of a small aperture

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

belonging to which person

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

possessive form of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....

in the company of; together with

From this reading (But that was before he reached the post office.) His wife, whose sweet and rosy bulk took up most of the space on the seat, listened, smiling with content.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

causing great physical or mental suffering

From this reading When he was placid, she was placid; when he wasn't, which happened now and then, she was an alertly reasonable woman, defending him from himself, and wrenching from his hand, with ironic gayety, or rallying seriousness, the dagger of his discontent with what he called his "failure" in life--which was what most people called his success--a business career, chosen because the support of several inescapable blood relations was not compatible with his own profession of painting.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading It was three days after the young husband, lying in the grass, his cheek on his wife's hand, had made his careless prophecy about "whistling," that Henry Houghton, jogging along in the sunshine toward Grafton for the morning mail, slapped a rein down on Lion's fat back, and whistled, placidly enough....