Chapter XIX

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

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

later than; following

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

in the past

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

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

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Perhaps the modern substitute for the coquetry of the old-fashioned woman before marriage is the introduction of “problems” into her love-making.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

go after with the intent to catch

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

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

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

plural of “concession” — a contract granting the right to operate a subsidiary business

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

make a concoction (of) by mixing

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

with awareness

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

playful behavior intended to arouse sexual interest

From this reading Perhaps the modern substitute for the coquetry of the old-fashioned woman before marriage is the introduction of “problems” into her love-making.

plural of “court” — an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

with discretion; prudently and with wise self-restraint

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

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

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

arouse or elicit a feeling

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

strike out (a batter), (of a pitcher)

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

promote over another

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

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

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

associated with women and not with men

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Perhaps the modern substitute for the coquetry of the old-fashioned woman before marriage is the introduction of “problems” into her love-making.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

the act of giving

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

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

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

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

From this reading Perhaps the modern substitute for the coquetry of the old-fashioned woman before marriage is the introduction of “problems” into her love-making.

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

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

in a manner disapproved or not allowed by custom

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

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

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

lack of equality

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Perhaps the modern substitute for the coquetry of the old-fashioned woman before marriage is the introduction of “problems” into her love-making.

the act of beginning something new

From this reading Perhaps the modern substitute for the coquetry of the old-fashioned woman before marriage is the introduction of “problems” into her love-making.

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

From this reading Perhaps the modern substitute for the coquetry of the old-fashioned woman before marriage is the introduction of “problems” into her love-making.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

take somebody somewhere

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

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

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

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

From this reading Perhaps the modern substitute for the coquetry of the old-fashioned woman before marriage is the introduction of “problems” into her love-making.

plural of “lover” — a person who loves someone or is loved by someone

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

of or relating to the state of marriage

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading Perhaps the modern substitute for the coquetry of the old-fashioned woman before marriage is the introduction of “problems” into her love-making.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading Perhaps the modern substitute for the coquetry of the old-fashioned woman before marriage is the introduction of “problems” into her love-making.

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

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

used to form the superlative

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

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

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Perhaps the modern substitute for the coquetry of the old-fashioned woman before marriage is the introduction of “problems” into her love-making.

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

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

out of fashion

From this reading Perhaps the modern substitute for the coquetry of the old-fashioned woman before marriage is the introduction of “problems” into her love-making.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

by chance

From this reading Perhaps the modern substitute for the coquetry of the old-fashioned woman before marriage is the introduction of “problems” into her love-making.

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

the act of playing a musical instrument

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

a customary way of operation or behavior

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

plural of “prelude” — something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

plural of “problem” — a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading Perhaps the modern substitute for the coquetry of the old-fashioned woman before marriage is the introduction of “problems” into her love-making.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

without much difficulty

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

-ing form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

Identical; not different.

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

act as a barrier between; stand between

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

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

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

not in physical motion

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

something (manuscripts or architectural plans and models or estimates or works of art of all genres etc.) submitted for the judgment of others (as in a competition)

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

put in the place of another; switch seemingly equivalent items

From this reading Perhaps the modern substitute for the coquetry of the old-fashioned woman before marriage is the introduction of “problems” into her love-making.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

an idea that is suggested

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

required or under orders

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

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

From this reading Perhaps the modern substitute for the coquetry of the old-fashioned woman before marriage is the introduction of “problems” into her love-making.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

a special situation

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

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

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

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

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

the present time or age

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

a source of difficulty

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

exhibiting the qualities or characteristics that identify a group or kind or category

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

not fair; marked by injustice or partiality or deception

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

lacking in value or merit

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

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

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

working for hourly wages rather than fixed (e.g. annual) salaries

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

plural of “want” — a state of extreme poverty

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

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

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

in contrast with the fact that

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Sometimes it is the problem of whether she wants to have children or not--sometimes the question of giving up a separate, wage-earning existence, sometimes a theory against the inequality of marital concessions, sometimes this, sometimes that.

determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.

-ing form of “withdraw” — pull back or move away or backward

From this reading The man still courts--a little more discreetly than he used to but much after the same plan--but whereas the woman of a generation ago was supposed to lead him a whimsical chase, now giving, now withdrawing her favor, refusing to admit her feelings, the typical woman of today is apt to admit her feelings readily enough, but she preludes her submission to them by the introduction of a host of “problems.”

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Perhaps the modern substitute for the coquetry of the old-fashioned woman before marriage is the introduction of “problems” into her love-making.

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

From this reading Not that these women of today consciously concoct their problems to trouble their lovers or excite further ardor in them--far be it from the thoughts of most of them to so illegitimately fan a man’s flame, and perhaps the whole suggestion is unworthy and unfair.

plural of “wonder” — the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading But questions of this sort have become such common experience that one wonders sometimes if the whole thing is not a development of the old feminine practice of playing with a man from behind a feather-fringed fan.