Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

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

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

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

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

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

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

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

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At the time of his marriage he would have said that the least likely of possible happenings would be self-deception as to the character of the woman he loved.

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

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

past form of “confront” — oppose, as in hostility or a competition

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

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

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading It was a cruel shock and disappointment to him.

made known or openly avowed

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized

From this reading It was a cruel shock and disappointment to him.

doubt about someone's honesty

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

divisible by two

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

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

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

plural of “happening” — an event that happens

From this reading At the time of his marriage he would have said that the least likely of possible happenings would be self-deception as to the character of the woman he loved.

maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading At the time of his marriage he would have said that the least likely of possible happenings would be self-deception as to the character of the woman he loved.

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

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

freed from illness or injury

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

from this time forth; from now on

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

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

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

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

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

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

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

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

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

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

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

on your own; without outside help

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a cruel shock and disappointment to him.

immediately past

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading At the time of his marriage he would have said that the least likely of possible happenings would be self-deception as to the character of the woman he loved.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading At the time of his marriage he would have said that the least likely of possible happenings would be self-deception as to the character of the woman he loved.

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

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

held dear

From this reading At the time of his marriage he would have said that the least likely of possible happenings would be self-deception as to the character of the woman he loved.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

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

From this reading At the time of his marriage he would have said that the least likely of possible happenings would be self-deception as to the character of the woman he loved.

joined in matrimony

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

-ing form of “marry” — take in marriage

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

past form of “misinterpret” — interpret falsely

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

not any; not one

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading At the time of his marriage he would have said that the least likely of possible happenings would be self-deception as to the character of the woman he loved.

offensive to the mind

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading At the time of his marriage he would have said that the least likely of possible happenings would be self-deception as to the character of the woman he loved.

a misconception that is favorable to the person who holds it

From this reading At the time of his marriage he would have said that the least likely of possible happenings would be self-deception as to the character of the woman he loved.

a town in central Alabama on the Alabama river; in 1965 it was the center of a drive to register Black voters

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

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

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally

From this reading It was a cruel shock and disappointment to him.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

required or under orders

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

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

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

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 Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

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

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading At the time of his marriage he would have said that the least likely of possible happenings would be self-deception as to the character of the woman he loved.

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

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

in an unambiguous manner

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

precisely as stated

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

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

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

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

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The breach between Littleton and his wife was too serious to be healed, for he was confronted by the conviction that Selma was a very different being from the woman whom he had supposed that he was marrying.

the words that are spoken

From this reading He had been slow to harbor distrust, and loath, even in the face of her own words, to admit that he had misinterpreted her character; but this last conversation left no room for doubt.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading At the time of his marriage he would have said that the least likely of possible happenings would be self-deception as to the character of the woman he loved.

but in spite of that

From this reading Selma had declared to him, unequivocally, that his ideas and theory of life were repugnant to her, and that, henceforth, she intended to act independently of them, so far as she could do so, and yet maintain the semblance of the married state.