Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

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

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

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

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

(Greek mythology) Greek god of light; god of prophecy and poetry and music and healing; son of Zeus and Leto; twin brother of Artemis

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

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

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

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

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

hard close-grained wood of any of various birch trees; used especially in furniture and interior finishes and plywood

From this reading BIRCH ROD.

the two together, not just one

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading He was a bright, clever little chap, and when he tried to understand his governess' method of teaching, he did his work fairly well.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

a boy or man

From this reading He was a bright, clever little chap, and when he tried to understand his governess' method of teaching, he did his work fairly well.

showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

From this reading He was a bright, clever little chap, and when he tried to understand his governess' method of teaching, he did his work fairly well.

past form of “conquer” — bring under control by force or authority

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

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

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading He was a bright, clever little chap, and when he tried to understand his governess' method of teaching, he did his work fairly well.

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

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

a branch of knowledge

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

communicated in words

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

to certain extent or degree

From this reading He was a bright, clever little chap, and when he tried to understand his governess' method of teaching, he did his work fairly well.

plural of “fellow” — a boy or man

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

set up or found

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

the act of departing

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

a woman entrusted with the care and supervision of a child (especially in a private home)

From this reading He was a bright, clever little chap, and when he tried to understand his governess' method of teaching, he did his work fairly well.

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

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

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

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

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

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

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

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

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

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

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

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

a disorder of digestive function characterized by discomfort or heartburn or nausea

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

plants with sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-colored flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

plural of “lesson” — a unit of instruction

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

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

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)

From this reading He was a bright, clever little chap, and when he tried to understand his governess' method of teaching, he did his work fairly well.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

not any; not one

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

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

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

a child's room for a baby

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

(Greek mythology) a giant Boeotian hunter who pursued the Pleiades and was eventually slain by Artemis; was then placed in the sky as a constellation

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

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

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

freed from illness or injury

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

a long thin implement made of metal or wood

From this reading BIRCH ROD.

a reason for wanting something done

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

an educational institution

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

a room in a school where lessons take place

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

move or cause to move back and forth

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

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

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

with speed

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

rigidly accurate; allowing no deviation from a standard

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

plural of “task” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

the profession of a teacher

From this reading He was a bright, clever little chap, and when he tried to understand his governess' method of teaching, he did his work fairly well.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

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

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

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

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

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

From this reading Orion speedily recovered from his bad fit of indigestion, and matters began to shake down a little in the schoolroom and nursery.

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading He was a bright, clever little chap, and when he tried to understand his governess' method of teaching, he did his work fairly well.

-ing form of “undergo” — pass through

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading He was a bright, clever little chap, and when he tried to understand his governess' method of teaching, he did his work fairly well.

lacking kindness

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

up to a particular time

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

characterized by forceful and energetic action or activity

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

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

From this reading He was a bright, clever little chap, and when he tried to understand his governess' method of teaching, he did his work fairly well.

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading He was a bright, clever little chap, and when he tried to understand his governess' method of teaching, he did his work fairly well.

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

From this reading No one meant to be unkind to the little Delaneys; and although all things were changed for them, in some ways both Iris and Apollo were all the better for the strict and vigorous discipline they were now undergoing.

at the time that

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

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

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Iris really enjoyed her lessons, and when Apollo found that he had no chance of going to school, and of being with "fellows," as he expressed it, until he had conquered certain difficult tasks which Miss Ramsay set him, he began, for his own sake, to apply himself to his lessons.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading He was a bright, clever little chap, and when he tried to understand his governess' method of teaching, he did his work fairly well.