Chapter XXVI · Chapter 26

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

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Among no set of circumstances is this more true than in the fateful relations of men and women.

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

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

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

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)

From this reading Frequently our brains, our antecedent plans, have no part in the decision.

third-person singular of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

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

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

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

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

plural of “brain” — that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord

From this reading Frequently our brains, our antecedent plans, have no part in the decision.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

having or capable of producing colors

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

the coloring of a person's face

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

the act of making up your mind about something

From this reading Frequently our brains, our antecedent plans, have no part in the decision.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

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

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

an exemption from some rule or obligation

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

the totality of surrounding conditions

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

opinion or judgment

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

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

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

having momentous consequences; of decisive importance

From this reading Among no set of circumstances is this more true than in the fateful relations of men and women.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Frequently our brains, our antecedent plans, have no part in the decision.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

productive or conducive to producing in abundance

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

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

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

superlative of “happy” — enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Frequently our brains, our antecedent plans, have no part in the decision.

past form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

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

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

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

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

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

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

plural of “joy” — the emotion of great happiness

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

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

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

the force of workers available

From this reading Among no set of circumstances is this more true than in the fateful relations of men and women.

plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

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

From this reading Among no set of circumstances is this more true than in the fateful relations of men and women.

used to form the superlative

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

not any; not one

From this reading Among no set of circumstances is this more true than in the fateful relations of men and women.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

many times at short intervals

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

and nothing more

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

the one or ones belonging to us

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

used when we are both doing the action and receiving it

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Frequently our brains, our antecedent plans, have no part in the decision.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading Frequently our brains, our antecedent plans, have no part in the decision.

a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

established or prearranged unalterably

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups

From this reading Among no set of circumstances is this more true than in the fateful relations of men and women.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Among no set of circumstances is this more true than in the fateful relations of men and women.

have in common

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

plural of “sorrow” — an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

in a superficial manner

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Among no set of circumstances is this more true than in the fateful relations of men and women.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

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

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

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

From this reading Among no set of circumstances is this more true than in the fateful relations of men and women.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

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

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading Among no set of circumstances is this more true than in the fateful relations of men and women.

not wanted

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

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

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

at the time that

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

during the time that

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

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

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.

in the company of; together with

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

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

From this reading Among no set of circumstances is this more true than in the fateful relations of men and women.

not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth

From this reading The woman we choose appears at the wrong time, in the wrong place, in an undesirable environment, with hair and eyes and general complexion different in colour from what we had predestined for ourselves, short when we had made up our minds for tall, and tall when we had hoped for short.

a late time of life

From this reading While, in a blind sort of way, we may be said to choose for ourselves the man or woman with whom we are to share the joys and sorrows of our years, yet the choice is only superficially ours.

but in spite of that

From this reading CONCERNING THE BEST KIND OF WIFE FOR A POET We are apt sometimes to complain that so much of importance in our lives is at the dispensation of accident, yet how often too are we compelled to confess that some of the happiest and most fruitful circumstances of our lives are due to the far-seeing diplomacies of chance.