Chapter XV · Chapter 15

any specific behavior

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

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

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

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

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

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

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It is difficult to say whether Kate Ellison, or Reuben Whitney was the most surprised at this unexpected meeting.

a nation occupying the whole of the Australian continent; Aboriginal tribes are thought to have migrated from southeastern Asia 20,000 years ago; first Europeans were British convicts sent there as a penal colony

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading He could scarcely credit the evidence of his senses, at seeing before him the young lady whom he had believed to be thousands of miles away, in England.

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

From this reading He could scarcely credit the evidence of his senses, at seeing before him the young lady whom he had believed to be thousands of miles away, in England.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading He could scarcely credit the evidence of his senses, at seeing before him the young lady whom he had believed to be thousands of miles away, in England.

a youthful male person

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

plural of “case” — an occurrence of something

From this reading As is usual in these cases, the girl was the first to recover from her surprise.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

past form of “champion” — protect or fight for as a champion

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

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

From this reading He could scarcely credit the evidence of his senses, at seeing before him the young lady whom he had believed to be thousands of miles away, in England.

approval

From this reading He could scarcely credit the evidence of his senses, at seeing before him the young lady whom he had believed to be thousands of miles away, in England.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading It is difficult to say whether Kate Ellison, or Reuben Whitney was the most surprised at this unexpected meeting.

United States novelist who wrote about a young Black man and his struggles in American society (1914-1994)

From this reading It is difficult to say whether Kate Ellison, or Reuben Whitney was the most surprised at this unexpected meeting.

(physics) a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the capacity of a physical system to do work; the units of energy are joules or ergs

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading He could scarcely credit the evidence of his senses, at seeing before him the young lady whom he had believed to be thousands of miles away, in England.

be identical or equivalent to

From this reading But the surprise of Reuben was at least equal to that which she felt.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading He could scarcely credit the evidence of his senses, at seeing before him the young lady whom he had believed to be thousands of miles away, in England.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading But the surprise of Reuben was at least equal to that which she felt.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading As is usual in these cases, the girl was the first to recover from her surprise.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading As is usual in these cases, the girl was the first to recover from her surprise.

a young female

From this reading As is usual in these cases, the girl was the first to recover from her surprise.

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

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

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

From this reading He could scarcely credit the evidence of his senses, at seeing before him the young lady whom he had believed to be thousands of miles away, in England.

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

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

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

From this reading He could scarcely credit the evidence of his senses, at seeing before him the young lady whom he had believed to be thousands of miles away, in England.

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

From this reading He could scarcely credit the evidence of his senses, at seeing before him the young lady whom he had believed to be thousands of miles away, in England.

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

From this reading He could scarcely credit the evidence of his senses, at seeing before him the young lady whom he had believed to be thousands of miles away, in England.

beyond belief or understanding

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

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

From this reading It is difficult to say whether Kate Ellison, or Reuben Whitney was the most surprised at this unexpected meeting.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is difficult to say whether Kate Ellison, or Reuben Whitney was the most surprised at this unexpected meeting.

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

From this reading It is difficult to say whether Kate Ellison, or Reuben Whitney was the most surprised at this unexpected meeting.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading He could scarcely credit the evidence of his senses, at seeing before him the young lady whom he had believed to be thousands of miles away, in England.

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

From this reading But the surprise of Reuben was at least equal to that which she felt.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading It is difficult to say whether Kate Ellison, or Reuben Whitney was the most surprised at this unexpected meeting.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading He could scarcely credit the evidence of his senses, at seeing before him the young lady whom he had believed to be thousands of miles away, in England.

used to form the superlative

From this reading It is difficult to say whether Kate Ellison, or Reuben Whitney was the most surprised at this unexpected meeting.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But the surprise of Reuben was at least equal to that which she felt.

any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It is difficult to say whether Kate Ellison, or Reuben Whitney was the most surprised at this unexpected meeting.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

past form of “owe” — be obliged to pay or repay

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

get or find back; recover the use of

From this reading As is usual in these cases, the girl was the first to recover from her surprise.

(Old Testment) a son of Jacob and forefather of one of the tribes of Israel

From this reading It is difficult to say whether Kate Ellison, or Reuben Whitney was the most surprised at this unexpected meeting.

express in words

From this reading It is difficult to say whether Kate Ellison, or Reuben Whitney was the most surprised at this unexpected meeting.

only a very short time before

From this reading He could scarcely credit the evidence of his senses, at seeing before him the young lady whom he had believed to be thousands of miles away, in England.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading He could scarcely credit the evidence of his senses, at seeing before him the young lady whom he had believed to be thousands of miles away, in England.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

plural of “sens” — street names for marijuana

From this reading He could scarcely credit the evidence of his senses, at seeing before him the young lady whom he had believed to be thousands of miles away, in England.

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

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

be standing; be upright

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading But the surprise of Reuben was at least equal to that which she felt.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading It is difficult to say whether Kate Ellison, or Reuben Whitney was the most surprised at this unexpected meeting.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

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

From this reading It is difficult to say whether Kate Ellison, or Reuben Whitney was the most surprised at this unexpected meeting.

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

From this reading As is usual in these cases, the girl was the first to recover from her surprise.

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

From this reading It is difficult to say whether Kate Ellison, or Reuben Whitney was the most surprised at this unexpected meeting.

plural of “thousand” — the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading He could scarcely credit the evidence of his senses, at seeing before him the young lady whom he had believed to be thousands of miles away, in England.

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

From this reading It is difficult to say whether Kate Ellison, or Reuben Whitney was the most surprised at this unexpected meeting.

not expected or anticipated

From this reading It is difficult to say whether Kate Ellison, or Reuben Whitney was the most surprised at this unexpected meeting.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading As is usual in these cases, the girl was the first to recover from her surprise.

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

From this reading It is difficult to say whether Kate Ellison, or Reuben Whitney was the most surprised at this unexpected meeting.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading It is difficult to say whether Kate Ellison, or Reuben Whitney was the most surprised at this unexpected meeting.

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

From this reading But the surprise of Reuben was at least equal to that which she felt.

United States inventor of the mechanical cotton gin (1765-1825)

From this reading It is difficult to say whether Kate Ellison, or Reuben Whitney was the most surprised at this unexpected meeting.

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

From this reading He could scarcely credit the evidence of his senses, at seeing before him the young lady whom he had believed to be thousands of miles away, in England.

belonging to which person

From this reading The former, indeed, was aware that Reuben had come out to Australia; but that the boy, whose cause she had championed, should now stand before her as the officer, to whose energy and activity she and her sister owed so much, seemed almost incredible.

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

From this reading He could scarcely credit the evidence of his senses, at seeing before him the young lady whom he had believed to be thousands of miles away, in England.