Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

the state or quality of being recognized or acknowledged

From this reading But there was no unusual pressure--no little acknowledgment of a common danger past.

take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

(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 When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

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

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

a Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria

From this reading They had fallen into the habit of shaking hands when they bade each other good-night.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But there was no unusual pressure--no little acknowledgment of a common danger past.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

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

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

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

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading But there was no unusual pressure--no little acknowledgment of a common danger past.

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

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading But there was no unusual pressure--no little acknowledgment of a common danger past.

an inclination to withhold approval from some person or group

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading They had fallen into the habit of shaking hands when they bade each other good-night.

divisible by two

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

plural of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

communicated in words

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

opinion or judgment

From this reading They joined hands, and his eyes met hers.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading They had fallen into the habit of shaking hands when they bade each other good-night.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

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

From this reading They had fallen into the habit of shaking hands when they bade each other good-night.

expect, believe, or suppose

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

an established custom

From this reading They had fallen into the habit of shaking hands when they bade each other good-night.

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

From this reading They had fallen into the habit of shaking hands when they bade each other good-night.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading They had fallen into the habit of shaking hands when they bade each other good-night.

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

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

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

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

the one or ones belonging to her

From this reading They joined hands, and his eyes met hers.

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

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

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

From this reading They joined hands, and his eyes met hers.

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

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading They had fallen into the habit of shaking hands when they bade each other good-night.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

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

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

of or relating to two people who are married to each other

From this reading They joined hands, and his eyes met hers.

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

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

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

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

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

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

engage in

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

make reference to

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading They joined hands, and his eyes met hers.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

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

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

not any; not one

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

the act of obeying; dutiful or submissive behavior with respect to another person

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading They had fallen into the habit of shaking hands when they bade each other good-night.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading But there was no unusual pressure--no little acknowledgment of a common danger past.

by chance

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

the force applied to a unit area of surface; measured in pascals (SI unit) or in dynes (cgs unit)

From this reading But there was no unusual pressure--no little acknowledgment of a common danger past.

on the contrary

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

a battle in World War II; the port was captured by United States troops in September 1943

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

the act of causing something to move up and down (or back and forth) with quick movements

From this reading They had fallen into the habit of shaking hands when they bade each other good-night.

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

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

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

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

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

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

in or at that place or location

From this reading But there was no unusual pressure--no little acknowledgment of a common danger past.

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

From this reading They had fallen into the habit of shaking hands when they bade each other good-night.

a special situation

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

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

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

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

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

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

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

not known

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading But there was no unusual pressure--no little acknowledgment of a common danger past.

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

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

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

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

at the time that

From this reading They had fallen into the habit of shaking hands when they bade each other good-night.

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

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

hope for; have a wish

From this reading In obedience to Clare's expressed wish, Johnstone made no mention that evening of the rather serious adventure on the Salerno road.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

pull back or move away or backward

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.

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

From this reading When it was time, and the two ladies rose to withdraw, Johnstone suddenly wished that Clare would make some little sign to him--the least thing to show that this particular evening was not precisely what all the other evenings had been, that they were drawn a little closer together, that perhaps she would change her mind and not dislike him any more for that unknown reason at which he could not even guess.