Chapter XVI

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

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

plural of “amusement” — a feeling of delight at being entertained

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

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

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

characterized by an inability to mask your feelings; not devious

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

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

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

-ing form of “assist” — give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

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

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

showing who or what does the action

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

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

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

capability to perform or produce

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

a line of units following one after another

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

an ability to understand the meaning or importance of something (or the knowledge acquired as a result)

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

a ball at which young ladies are presented to society

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

plural of “cousin” — the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

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

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

although something is true; in spite of

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

not pleasing in odor or taste

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

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

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

the form in which a text (especially a printed book) is published

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

a movement into or inward

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

at any time

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

Not remembered; lapsed from memory.

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

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 One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

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

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

a young female

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

light informal conversation for social occasions

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

state of being gratified or satisfied

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

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

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

used of persons; emotionally hardened

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

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

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

plural of “hostess” — a woman host

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

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

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

causing awareness of your shortcomings

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

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

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

habitual

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

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

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

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

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

United States labor leader (born in Ireland) who helped to found the Industrial Workers of the World (1830-1930)

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

immediately past

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

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

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

joined in matrimony

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

make reference to

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

plural of “miss” — a young female

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

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

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

on the contrary

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

made compatible or consistent

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

the state of being retired from one's business or occupation

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

plural of “smith” — Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

relating to human society and its members

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

the process of becoming softer

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

a thing, without saying which

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

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

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

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

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

plural of “student” — a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Surely you were there?"

plural of “surface” — the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

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

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

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

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

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

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

a special situation

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

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

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

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

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

showing sustained enthusiastic action with unflagging vitality

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

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

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

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

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

at any time that; every time that

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

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

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

during the time that

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

which person or people

From this reading There was something piteous to the girl, though humiliating, about the three little spinsters' unflagging interest in the amusements of people who had forgotten, if they ever knew of, the Misses Darcys' existence.

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

From this reading Despite their long retirement from what they called "the polite world," these ladies were inveterate students of the social column, and constituted in themselves a complete local edition of "Who's Who."

a movable organ for flying (one of a pair)

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading One thing almost reconciled her to the distasteful idea of entering further into the social world under the wing of her step-mother, and that was the gratification, the artless delight, taken by her father's cousins in the idea of assisting at a Galt House Ball, almost in the capacity of hostesses.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Surely you were there?"

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Whenever Joan went to see them--which was rather often nowadays, for her late experience had had the not unusual effect of softening her comprehension, while it hardened her surfaces--they greeted her with eager gossip, such as: "I see the little Jones girl is to be married at last!" or, "The paper doesn't mention your name at the Smiths' cotillion last night....