used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
accreditedadjectiveUS /əˈkredɪtɪd/
given official approval to act
From this reading It withdraws into the retreats where this accredited weakness is a delight and power.
advertisementnounUS /ædˈvɜːrtəzmənt/
a public promotion of some product or service
From this reading Then she will wreak discredit upon the independence of woman; and, if that be the special cause which she advocates, her presence on the platform will be an advertisement of its failure.
advocatesnounUS /ˈædvəkəts/
plural of “advocate” — a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea
From this reading Then she will wreak discredit upon the independence of woman; and, if that be the special cause which she advocates, her presence on the platform will be an advertisement of its failure.
alliesnounUS /ˈælaɪz/
the alliance of nations that fought the Axis in World War II and which (with subsequent additions) signed the charter of the United Nations in 1945
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Then she will wreak discredit upon the independence of woman; and, if that be the special cause which she advocates, her presence on the platform will be an advertisement of its failure.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
aspiresverbUS /əˈspaɪərz/
third-person singular of “aspire” — have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading For mankind, which has invented the motto for woman which styles her the weaker sex, does not like to be taken at its word, and will not sit patiently where this weakness bores it.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
boresnounUS /bɔːrz/
plural of “bore” — a person who evokes boredom
From this reading For mankind, which has invented the motto for woman which styles her the weaker sex, does not like to be taken at its word, and will not sit patiently where this weakness bores it.
burdenedadjectiveUS /ˈbɜːrdənd/
bearing a heavy burden of work or difficulties or responsibilities
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
calculatesverbUS /ˈkælkjəleɪts/
third-person singular of “calculate” — make a mathematical calculation or computation
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading Then she will wreak discredit upon the independence of woman; and, if that be the special cause which she advocates, her presence on the platform will be an advertisement of its failure.
claimsnounUS /kleɪmz/
plural of “claim” — an assertion of a right (as to money or property)
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
prevent from being seen or discovered
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
costumenounUS /kɑːˈstuːm/
the attire worn in a play or at a fancy dress ball
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
deferencenounUS /ˈdefərəns/
a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading It withdraws into the retreats where this accredited weakness is a delight and power.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
discreditverbUS /dɪˈskredət/
cause to be distrusted or disbelieved
From this reading Then she will wreak discredit upon the independence of woman; and, if that be the special cause which she advocates, her presence on the platform will be an advertisement of its failure.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading For mankind, which has invented the motto for woman which styles her the weaker sex, does not like to be taken at its word, and will not sit patiently where this weakness bores it.
divisible by two
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
exhibitionnounUS /ˌeksəˈbɪʃən/
the act of exhibiting
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
an act that fails
From this reading Then she will wreak discredit upon the independence of woman; and, if that be the special cause which she advocates, her presence on the platform will be an advertisement of its failure.
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading For mankind, which has invented the motto for woman which styles her the weaker sex, does not like to be taken at its word, and will not sit patiently where this weakness bores it.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
inadequacynounUS /ˌɪˈnædɪkwəsi/
lack of an adequate quantity or number
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
independencenounUS /ˌɪndɪˈpendəns/
freedom from control or influence of another or others
From this reading Then she will wreak discredit upon the independence of woman; and, if that be the special cause which she advocates, her presence on the platform will be an advertisement of its failure.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading It withdraws into the retreats where this accredited weakness is a delight and power.
inventedverbUS /ˌɪnˈventəd/
past form of “invent” — come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort
From this reading For mankind, which has invented the motto for woman which styles her the weaker sex, does not like to be taken at its word, and will not sit patiently where this weakness bores it.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It withdraws into the retreats where this accredited weakness is a delight and power.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading For mankind, which has invented the motto for woman which styles her the weaker sex, does not like to be taken at its word, and will not sit patiently where this weakness bores it.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Then she will wreak discredit upon the independence of woman; and, if that be the special cause which she advocates, her presence on the platform will be an advertisement of its failure.
justifyverbUS /ˈdʒʌstəfaɪ/
show to be right by providing justification or proof
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading For mankind, which has invented the motto for woman which styles her the weaker sex, does not like to be taken at its word, and will not sit patiently where this weakness bores it.
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 If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
mankindnounUS /ˈmænˈkaɪnd/
all of the living human inhabitants of the earth
From this reading For mankind, which has invented the motto for woman which styles her the weaker sex, does not like to be taken at its word, and will not sit patiently where this weakness bores it.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
mottonounUS /ˈmɑːtoʊ/
a favorite saying of a sect or political group
From this reading For mankind, which has invented the motto for woman which styles her the weaker sex, does not like to be taken at its word, and will not sit patiently where this weakness bores it.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Then she will wreak discredit upon the independence of woman; and, if that be the special cause which she advocates, her presence on the platform will be an advertisement of its failure.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
patientlyadverbUS /ˈpeɪʃəntli/
with patience; in a patient manner
From this reading For mankind, which has invented the motto for woman which styles her the weaker sex, does not like to be taken at its word, and will not sit patiently where this weakness bores it.
paysnounUS /peɪz/
plural of “pay” — something that remunerates
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
piquedverbUS /piːkt/
past form of “pique” — cause to feel resentment or indignation
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
a raised horizontal surface
From this reading Then she will wreak discredit upon the independence of woman; and, if that be the special cause which she advocates, her presence on the platform will be an advertisement of its failure.
participate in games or sport
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
Portia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading It withdraws into the retreats where this accredited weakness is a delight and power.
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading Then she will wreak discredit upon the independence of woman; and, if that be the special cause which she advocates, her presence on the platform will be an advertisement of its failure.
presumesverbUS /prəˈzuːmz/
third-person singular of “presume” — take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
relationshipnounUS /riˈleɪʃənʃɪp/
a relation between people; (“relationship” is often used where “relation” would serve, as in `the relationship between inflation and unemployment', but the preferred usage of “relationship” is for human relations or states of relatedness)
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
retreatsnounUS /riˈtriːts/
plural of “retreat” — (military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
From this reading It withdraws into the retreats where this accredited weakness is a delight and power.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
activities associated with sexual intercourse
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
be seated
From this reading For mankind, which has invented the motto for woman which styles her the weaker sex, does not like to be taken at its word, and will not sit patiently where this weakness bores it.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading Then she will wreak discredit upon the independence of woman; and, if that be the special cause which she advocates, her presence on the platform will be an advertisement of its failure.
spontaneouslyadverbUS /spɑːnˈteɪniəsli/
in a spontaneous manner
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
stylesnounUS /staɪlz/
plural of “style” — how something is done or how it happens
From this reading For mankind, which has invented the motto for woman which styles her the weaker sex, does not like to be taken at its word, and will not sit patiently where this weakness bores it.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading For mankind, which has invented the motto for woman which styles her the weaker sex, does not like to be taken at its word, and will not sit patiently where this weakness bores it.
talentnounUS /ˈtælənt/
natural abilities or qualities
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then she will wreak discredit upon the independence of woman; and, if that be the special cause which she advocates, her presence on the platform will be an advertisement of its failure.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading For mankind, which has invented the motto for woman which styles her the weaker sex, does not like to be taken at its word, and will not sit patiently where this weakness bores it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
make an effort or attempt
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
except if; if not
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
weakeradjectiveUS /ˈwiːkər/
comparative of “weak” — wanting in physical strength
From this reading For mankind, which has invented the motto for woman which styles her the weaker sex, does not like to be taken at its word, and will not sit patiently where this weakness bores it.
a flaw or weak point
From this reading For mankind, which has invented the motto for woman which styles her the weaker sex, does not like to be taken at its word, and will not sit patiently where this weakness bores it.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
in or at the place that
From this reading For mankind, which has invented the motto for woman which styles her the weaker sex, does not like to be taken at its word, and will not sit patiently where this weakness bores it.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading If she presumes upon the deference which man spontaneously pays to her sex, or calculates that curiosity will be piqued to see her exhibition, she cannot, even with the help of her natural allies, flowers, costume, and manner, long conceal some inadequacy for the part she aspires to play.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
withdrawsverbUS /wɪðˈdrɔːz/
third-person singular of “withdraw” — pull back or move away or backward
From this reading It withdraws into the retreats where this accredited weakness is a delight and power.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading But a woman, however poor she may be, and burdened with claims upon her relationship, cannot try to do what Portia did not need to do unless her talent can justify the attempt.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading For mankind, which has invented the motto for woman which styles her the weaker sex, does not like to be taken at its word, and will not sit patiently where this weakness bores it.
wreakverbUS /riːk/
cause to happen or to occur as a consequence
From this reading Then she will wreak discredit upon the independence of woman; and, if that be the special cause which she advocates, her presence on the platform will be an advertisement of its failure.
