Chapter XXXIV · Chapter 34

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

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading He inquired politely after the ladies, expressed regret that they were indisposed, and changed the subject in a tone and manner natural to a mere acquaintance.

diffusing warmth and friendliness

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

later than; following

From this reading He inquired politely after the ladies, expressed regret that they were indisposed, and changed the subject in a tone and manner natural to a mere acquaintance.

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

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although his courtesy would appear faultless to observers, it made Wildmere shiver.

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

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

any thing at all

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Although his courtesy would appear faultless to observers, it made Wildmere shiver.

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

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

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

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

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

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

eat an early morning meal

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

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

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading He inquired politely after the ladies, expressed regret that they were indisposed, and changed the subject in a tone and manner natural to a mere acquaintance.

exhibiting courtesy and politeness

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

a courteous or respectful or considerate act

From this reading Although his courtesy would appear faultless to observers, it made Wildmere shiver.

move deeply

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

communicated in words

From this reading He inquired politely after the ladies, expressed regret that they were indisposed, and changed the subject in a tone and manner natural to a mere acquaintance.

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

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

without fault or error

From this reading Although his courtesy would appear faultless to observers, it made Wildmere shiver.

plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

experiencing joy and pleasure

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

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

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

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

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

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

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

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

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

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

From this reading "Mr. Arnault," Mr. Wildmere said, a little nervously, as they left the breakfast-room, "may I speak with you?"

past form of “imagine” — form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

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

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

somewhat ill or prone to illness

From this reading He inquired politely after the ladies, expressed regret that they were indisposed, and changed the subject in a tone and manner natural to a mere acquaintance.

past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading He inquired politely after the ladies, expressed regret that they were indisposed, and changed the subject in a tone and manner natural to a mere acquaintance.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Although his courtesy would appear faultless to observers, it made Wildmere shiver.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading He inquired politely after the ladies, expressed regret that they were indisposed, and changed the subject in a tone and manner natural to a mere acquaintance.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading "Mr. Arnault," Mr. Wildmere said, a little nervously, as they left the breakfast-room, "may I speak with you?"

plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

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

From this reading "Mr. Arnault," Mr. Wildmere said, a little nervously, as they left the breakfast-room, "may I speak with you?"

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Although his courtesy would appear faultless to observers, it made Wildmere shiver.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He inquired politely after the ladies, expressed regret that they were indisposed, and changed the subject in a tone and manner natural to a mere acquaintance.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading "Mr. Arnault," Mr. Wildmere said, a little nervously, as they left the breakfast-room, "may I speak with you?"

being nothing more than specified

From this reading He inquired politely after the ladies, expressed regret that they were indisposed, and changed the subject in a tone and manner natural to a mere acquaintance.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

a form of address for a man

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading He inquired politely after the ladies, expressed regret that they were indisposed, and changed the subject in a tone and manner natural to a mere acquaintance.

in an anxiously nervous manner

From this reading "Mr. Arnault," Mr. Wildmere said, a little nervously, as they left the breakfast-room, "may I speak with you?"

not any; not one

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

plural of “observer” — a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses

From this reading Although his courtesy would appear faultless to observers, it made Wildmere shiver.

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

in a polite manner

From this reading He inquired politely after the ladies, expressed regret that they were indisposed, and changed the subject in a tone and manner natural to a mere acquaintance.

just preceding something else in time or order

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

past form of “reappear” — appear again

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about

From this reading He inquired politely after the ladies, expressed regret that they were indisposed, and changed the subject in a tone and manner natural to a mere acquaintance.

mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Mr. Arnault," Mr. Wildmere said, a little nervously, as they left the breakfast-room, "may I speak with you?"

cut with a saw

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

only a very short time before

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

tremble convulsively, as from fear or excitement

From this reading Although his courtesy would appear faultless to observers, it made Wildmere shiver.

characterized by or preferring solitude

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

express in speech

From this reading "Mr. Arnault," Mr. Wildmere said, a little nervously, as they left the breakfast-room, "may I speak with you?"

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading He inquired politely after the ladies, expressed regret that they were indisposed, and changed the subject in a tone and manner natural to a mere acquaintance.

required or under orders

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

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

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

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

From this reading He inquired politely after the ladies, expressed regret that they were indisposed, and changed the subject in a tone and manner natural to a mere acquaintance.

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

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

the quality of a person's voice

From this reading He inquired politely after the ladies, expressed regret that they were indisposed, and changed the subject in a tone and manner natural to a mere acquaintance.

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

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

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

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

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

From this reading He scarcely knew how he would be received, but Arnault was as affable and courteous as he would have been months previous, and no one in the breakfast-room would have imagined that anything had occurred to disturb the relations between the two gentlemen.

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

From this reading He inquired politely after the ladies, expressed regret that they were indisposed, and changed the subject in a tone and manner natural to a mere acquaintance.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

at the time that

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

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

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "Mr. Arnault," Mr. Wildmere said, a little nervously, as they left the breakfast-room, "may I speak with you?"

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

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

a late time of life

From this reading BROKEN LIGHTS AND SHADOWS Mr. Wildmere looked almost ten years older when he came down to what he supposed would be a solitary breakfast; but something like hope and gladness reappeared on his haggard face when he saw Arnault at his table as usual.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Mr. Arnault," Mr. Wildmere said, a little nervously, as they left the breakfast-room, "may I speak with you?"