Chapter XXVIII · Chapter 28

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

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

in an absentminded or preoccupied manner

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

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

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

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

From this reading Only he insists on seeing you; and when they are like that, one must give them what they want.

react verbally

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

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

From this reading Only he insists on seeing you; and when they are like that, one must give them what they want.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

someone whose employment involves carrying something

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading "I fear there has been no real improvement; the patient is steadily losing strength.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

make an itemized list or catalog of; classify

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

the feeling you have when you are satisfied with yourself

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

-ing form of “correct” — make right or correct

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

(usually plural) discussion of all sides of a question

From this reading "It is only temporary," she said with deliberation.

causing sad feelings of gloom and inadequacy

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

unaffected by self-interest

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

a document ordering the payment of money; drawn by one person or bank on another

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

contribute to the progress or growth of

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

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

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

the act of exhibiting

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading "I fear there has been no real improvement; the patient is steadily losing strength.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

a period of fourteen consecutive days

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Only he insists on seeing you; and when they are like that, one must give them what they want.

-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

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

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

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

From this reading "I fear there has been no real improvement; the patient is steadily losing strength.

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

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

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

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

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

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

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

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

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

From this reading "I fear there has been no real improvement; the patient is steadily losing strength.

a change for the better; progress in development

From this reading "I fear there has been no real improvement; the patient is steadily losing strength.

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

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

in an inquiring manner

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

third-person singular of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge

From this reading Only he insists on seeing you; and when they are like that, one must give them what they want.

an indirect suggestion

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

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

From this reading "It is only temporary," she said with deliberation.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "It is only temporary," she said with deliberation.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Only he insists on seeing you; and when they are like that, one must give them what they want.

-ing form of “lose” — fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading "I fear there has been no real improvement; the patient is steadily losing strength.

a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Only he insists on seeing you; and when they are like that, one must give them what they want.

clean or organized

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

not any; not one

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

plural of “notion” — a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

try to cure by special care of treatment, of an illness or injury

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Only he insists on seeing you; and when they are like that, one must give them what they want.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

and nothing more

From this reading "It is only temporary," she said with deliberation.

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

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

a person who requires medical care

From this reading "I fear there has been no real improvement; the patient is steadily losing strength.

a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading "I fear there has been no real improvement; the patient is steadily losing strength.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

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

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "It is only temporary," she said with deliberation.

Identical; not different.

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading Only he insists on seeing you; and when they are like that, one must give them what they want.

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

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

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

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

at a steady rate or pace

From this reading "I fear there has been no real improvement; the patient is steadily losing strength.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading "I fear there has been no real improvement; the patient is steadily losing strength.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

not permanent; not lasting

From this reading "It is only temporary," she said with deliberation.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Only he insists on seeing you; and when they are like that, one must give them what they want.

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

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Only he insists on seeing you; and when they are like that, one must give them what they want.

in or at that place or location

From this reading "I fear there has been no real improvement; the patient is steadily losing strength.

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

From this reading Only he insists on seeing you; and when they are like that, one must give them what they want.

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

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

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

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

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

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading Only he insists on seeing you; and when they are like that, one must give them what they want.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Only he insists on seeing you; and when they are like that, one must give them what they want.

at the time that

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

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

From this reading In the same room one afternoon a fortnight later, Oswyn sat, absently correcting the draft catalogue of his exhibition, when he received an intimation, which for some days he had expected--his friend felt strong enough to see him.

which person or people

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

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

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Only he insists on seeing you; and when they are like that, one must give them what they want.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading He put down his pen, glancing up inquiringly at the bearer of this message, a young woman in the neat, depressing garb of a professional nurse; but for answer she slightly shook her head with the disinterested complacency of the woman used to sickness, who would encourage no false notions.