Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

not normal; not typical or usual or regular or conforming to a norm

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Miss Beverly was like his mother; that was all there was about it.

in an enjoyable manner

From this reading Such a resemblance as that would make any face linger agreeably in his thoughts.

(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 Miss Beverly was like his mother; that was all there was about it.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

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

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

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

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Such a resemblance as that would make any face linger agreeably in his thoughts.

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

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

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

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

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

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

plural of “bearing” — relevant relation or interconnection

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

for the reason that

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

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

From this reading Miss Beverly was like his mother; that was all there was about it.

any bird of the family Icteridae whose male is black or predominantly black

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

a slight indication

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

plural of “comrade” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

suitable to your needs

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

plural of “cushion” — a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

marked by lack of definite plan or regularity or purpose; jumping from one thing to another

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

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

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

increase twofold

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

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

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Such a resemblance as that would make any face linger agreeably in his thoughts.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

set up or found

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

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

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

a low flat-bottomed freight car with fixed sides but no roof

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

abounding in grass

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

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

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

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

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

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

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

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

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

toward home

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

requiring attention or action

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

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

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

a body of water cut off from a larger body by a reef of sand or coral

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

in an unhurried way or at one's convenience

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Miss Beverly was like his mother; that was all there was about it.

remain present although waning or gradually dying

From this reading Such a resemblance as that would make any face linger agreeably in his thoughts.

hear with intention

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

sit or recline comfortably

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

engage in

From this reading Such a resemblance as that would make any face linger agreeably in his thoughts.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

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

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

deeply or seriously thoughtful

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

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

From this reading Miss Beverly was like his mother; that was all there was about it.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Miss Beverly was like his mother; that was all there was about it.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

not any; not one

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

an implement used to propel or steer a boat

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

-ing form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

by chance

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

lacking clarity of meaning; causing confusion or perplexity

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

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

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

similarity in appearance or external or superficial details

From this reading Such a resemblance as that would make any face linger agreeably in his thoughts.

an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

take hold of; grab

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

preliminary drawing for later elaboration

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

move hurridly

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Such a resemblance as that would make any face linger agreeably in his thoughts.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

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

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

in or at that place or location

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

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

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Such a resemblance as that would make any face linger agreeably in his thoughts.

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

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

in the direction of

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

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

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

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

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

at the time that

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

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

From this reading It was because Geof was aware that this state of things was abnormal, that he found it perplexing, and because, much as he enjoyed the experience itself, he did not relish the sense of having somewhat lost his bearings, that he was glad to seize upon the clue which he had got hold of there at the foot of the stone Madonna.

during the time that

From this reading On the contrary, he found it a perfectly congenial occupation to lounge among the cushions of the gondola and let Pietro row him home at his own leisurely rate, while the two good comrades had a meditative smoke.

make whistling sounds

From this reading When he had been making a desultory sketch, away out toward Malamocco, or in among the _vignoli_ in the northern lagoon, pausing perhaps, for a good five minutes, between grassy banks, to listen to the whistle of the blackbird in the hedge, he felt no imperative call to seize an oar and double the rate of speed on the homeward way.

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

From this reading Such a resemblance as that would make any face linger agreeably in his thoughts.