Chapter II

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

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

liveliness and eagerness

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

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

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

-ing form of “amount” — be tantamount or equivalent to

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

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

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

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

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

the act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

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

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

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

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

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

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

any cognitive content held as true

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

inflected form of “buy” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

a plant where beer is brewed by fermentation

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

the production of malt beverages (as beer or ale) from malt and hops by grinding and boiling them and fermenting the result with yeast

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

plural of “candidate” — a politician who is running for public office

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

plural of “career” — the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

the act of closing something

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

possessive form of “colonel” — a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

third-person singular of “comprise” — be composed of

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

without stop or interruption

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

a pair who associate with one another

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

possessive form of “dalton” — English chemist and physicist who formulated atomic theory and the law of partial pressures; gave the first description of red-green color blindness (1766-1844)

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

plural of “date” — the specified day of the month

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

relating to or characteristic of diplomacy

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

a feeling of intense dislike

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

mark as different

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

to come or go into

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

plural of “examination” — the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

plural of “failure” — an act that fails

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

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

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

plural of “fraction” — a component of a mixture that has been separated by a fractional process

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

proceeding in small stages

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

plural of “guardian” — a person who cares for persons or property

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

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

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

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

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

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

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

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

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

plural of “idiom” — a manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

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

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

lack of intellectual power

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

located, suited for, or taking place within a building

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

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

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

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

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

and nothing more

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

owning or consisting of land or real estate

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

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 Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

small in range or scope

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

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

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

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

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

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

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

used to form the superlative

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

impressive in appearance

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

and nothing more

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

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

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

a city in southern England to the northwest of London; site of Oxford University

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

loss of the ability to move a body part

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

the possibility of future success

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

plural of “pursuit” — the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

on the contrary

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

make (one thing) compatible with

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

possessive form of “relative” — a person related by blood or marriage

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

unusual or striking

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

the month following August and preceding October

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

established or decided beyond dispute or doubt

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

have in common

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

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

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

a male human offspring

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

feeling a need to see others suffer

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

lacking or marked by lack of intellectual acuity

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

a poor ability to understand or to profit from experience

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

with success; in a successful manner

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

very great or intense

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

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

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

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

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

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

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

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

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

precisely as stated

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

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

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading But he was a very long way from being stupid, or, rather, his stupidity was of most limited range--of the range, in fact, which only comprises dates, idioms, and fractions, a small part of life.

past form of “welcome” — accept gladly

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

at the time that

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

in or at the place that

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

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

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading But when this is joined to an incapacity for continued application amounting almost to paralysis, parents and guardians would be wise to reconcile themselves to the fact that those they love will never distinguish themselves in examinations.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Arthur had only just left Oxford, where he had shown an almost remarkable distaste for study and indoor pursuits, and a notable tendency not to get through examinations, and he had welcomed the brewing prospect with alacrity.

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

From this reading The diplomatic service, for which he had been intended, had been closed to him through a couple of complete and graceful failures to compete successfully with other candidates, and he had dreaded that the gradual closing of other careers would eventually land him, as it had landed so many others at that terrific _faute de mieux_, the bar.

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

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.

superlative of “young” — (used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading In spite of the Colonel’s settled belief to the contrary, it was perfectly true that, only a few months before his noble relative’s death, Lord Avesham had bought for Arthur, his second and youngest son, a share in Dalton’s brewery in Wroxton, and he was to enter it the following September.