Chapter II

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

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

Having no one else present.

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

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

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

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

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

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

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

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

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

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

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

in a state of sleep

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

a collection containing a variety of sorts of things

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

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

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

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

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

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

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

having or covered with protective barbs or quills or spines or thorns or setae etc.

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

rid of obstructions

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

a beverage consisting of an infusion of ground coffee beans

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

in a confused manner

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

being joined in close association

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

make right or correct

From this reading Whether he was correct or not is a matter of the smallest possible importance.

past form of “detain” — deprive of freedom; take into confinement

From this reading And as he rose from these fancies to his coffee he encountered a scheme which he detained and examined.

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

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

plural of “dream” — a series of mental images and emotions occurring during sleep

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

past form of “encounter” — come together

From this reading And as he rose from these fancies to his coffee he encountered a scheme which he detained and examined.

past form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning

From this reading And as he rose from these fancies to his coffee he encountered a scheme which he detained and examined.

plural of “fancy” — something many people believe that is false

From this reading And as he rose from these fancies to his coffee he encountered a scheme which he detained and examined.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading And as he rose from these fancies to his coffee he encountered a scheme which he detained and examined.

the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

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

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

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

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

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

From this reading It was not particularly shrewd, yet at the moment it seemed luminous to him.

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

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

a social unit living together

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading Whether he was correct or not is a matter of the smallest possible importance.

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

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

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

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

softly bright or radiant

From this reading It was not particularly shrewd, yet at the moment it seemed luminous to him.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Whether he was correct or not is a matter of the smallest possible importance.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

a particular point in time

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

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

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

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

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Whether he was correct or not is a matter of the smallest possible importance.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Whether he was correct or not is a matter of the smallest possible importance.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Whether he was correct or not is a matter of the smallest possible importance.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading It was not particularly shrewd, yet at the moment it seemed luminous to him.

a human being

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading Whether he was correct or not is a matter of the smallest possible importance.

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

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading And as he rose from these fancies to his coffee he encountered a scheme which he detained and examined.

an elaborate and systematic plan of action

From this reading And as he rose from these fancies to his coffee he encountered a scheme which he detained and examined.

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

From this reading It was not particularly shrewd, yet at the moment it seemed luminous to him.

marked by practical hardheaded intelligence

From this reading It was not particularly shrewd, yet at the moment it seemed luminous to him.

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

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

superlative of “small” — limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Whether he was correct or not is a matter of the smallest possible importance.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

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

From this reading Whether he was correct or not is a matter of the smallest possible importance.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

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

From this reading And as he rose from these fancies to his coffee he encountered a scheme which he detained and examined.

a special situation

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

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

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

not hallowed or consecrated

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

past form of “wander” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

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

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

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

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

at the time that

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

in or at the place that

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Whether he was correct or not is a matter of the smallest possible importance.

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

From this reading The next morning, when Atcheh appeared with coffee and fruit, he was aware that he had wandered through an assortment of dreams in which the rafflesia and the general were confusedly connected; at one moment the general had changed into that unhallowed flower, at another the rafflesia had bristled with the moustaches of his host.

a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Before he fell asleep his mind was clear as to one thing; to wit, that in a small household it is more difficult to be alone with one particular person than in a household where there are many.

but in spite of that

From this reading It was not particularly shrewd, yet at the moment it seemed luminous to him.