Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

a message whose content is at variance with reason

From this reading "I don't wonder that the absurdity of it does not strike him," he said, "for he is a drowning sentimentalist, catching at a fantastic straw."

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

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

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

past form of “appeal” — take a court case to a higher court for review

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

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

From this reading He paused in his walk to look at his wife as if he expected to find on her face a commendation of this simile.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "I don't wonder that the absurdity of it does not strike him," he said, "for he is a drowning sentimentalist, catching at a fantastic straw."

at or toward the back of something

From this reading The Major, with his hands behind him, was now walking up and down the short stretch of shade.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

(baseball) playing the position of catcher on a baseball team

From this reading "I don't wonder that the absurdity of it does not strike him," he said, "for he is a drowning sentimentalist, catching at a fantastic straw."

an official award (as for bravery or service) usually given as formal public statement

From this reading He paused in his walk to look at his wife as if he expected to find on her face a commendation of this simile.

share the suffering of

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

any of several North American trees of the genus Populus having a tuft of cottony hairs on the seed

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

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

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

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

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

with great urgency

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

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

From this reading "I don't wonder that the absurdity of it does not strike him," he said, "for he is a drowning sentimentalist, catching at a fantastic straw."

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

From this reading "I don't wonder that the absurdity of it does not strike him," he said, "for he is a drowning sentimentalist, catching at a fantastic straw."

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The Major, with his hands behind him, was now walking up and down the short stretch of shade.

-ing form of “drown” — cover completely or make imperceptible

From this reading "I don't wonder that the absurdity of it does not strike him," he said, "for he is a drowning sentimentalist, catching at a fantastic straw."

in or associated with the process of passing from life or ceasing to be

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading He paused in his walk to look at his wife as if he expected to find on her face a commendation of this simile.

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

From this reading He paused in his walk to look at his wife as if he expected to find on her face a commendation of this simile.

ludicrously odd

From this reading "I don't wonder that the absurdity of it does not strike him," he said, "for he is a drowning sentimentalist, catching at a fantastic straw."

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading He paused in his walk to look at his wife as if he expected to find on her face a commendation of this simile.

the muscle tone of healthy tissue

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

produced by or subjected to forcing

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

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

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

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

From this reading The Major, with his hands behind him, was now walking up and down the short stretch of shade.

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

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

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

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

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

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

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

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

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

From this reading "I don't wonder that the absurdity of it does not strike him," he said, "for he is a drowning sentimentalist, catching at a fantastic straw."

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading He paused in his walk to look at his wife as if he expected to find on her face a commendation of this simile.

past form of “implore” — call upon in supplication; entreat

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

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

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

act between parties with a view to reconciling differences

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

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

From this reading "I don't wonder that the absurdity of it does not strike him," he said, "for he is a drowning sentimentalist, catching at a fantastic straw."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "I don't wonder that the absurdity of it does not strike him," he said, "for he is a drowning sentimentalist, catching at a fantastic straw."

past form of “lean” — to incline or bend from a vertical position

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading He paused in his walk to look at his wife as if he expected to find on her face a commendation of this simile.

of greater importance or stature or rank

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

not any; not one

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "I don't wonder that the absurdity of it does not strike him," he said, "for he is a drowning sentimentalist, catching at a fantastic straw."

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading The Major, with his hands behind him, was now walking up and down the short stretch of shade.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

and nothing more

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

be against; express opposition to

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

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

From this reading He paused in his walk to look at his wife as if he expected to find on her face a commendation of this simile.

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

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

the act of persuading (or attempting to persuade); communication intended to induce belief or action

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "I don't wonder that the absurdity of it does not strike him," he said, "for he is a drowning sentimentalist, catching at a fantastic straw."

someone who indulges in excessive sentimentality

From this reading "I don't wonder that the absurdity of it does not strike him," he said, "for he is a drowning sentimentalist, catching at a fantastic straw."

relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

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

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading The Major, with his hands behind him, was now walking up and down the short stretch of shade.

a figure of speech that expresses a resemblance between things of different kinds (usually formed with “like” or “as”)

From this reading He paused in his walk to look at his wife as if he expected to find on her face a commendation of this simile.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder

From this reading "I don't wonder that the absurdity of it does not strike him," he said, "for he is a drowning sentimentalist, catching at a fantastic straw."

occupy a large, elongated area

From this reading The Major, with his hands behind him, was now walking up and down the short stretch of shade.

deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon

From this reading "I don't wonder that the absurdity of it does not strike him," he said, "for he is a drowning sentimentalist, catching at a fantastic straw."

an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

carry out

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

express in words

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

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

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

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

From this reading He paused in his walk to look at his wife as if he expected to find on her face a commendation of this simile.

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

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The Major, with his hands behind him, was now walking up and down the short stretch of shade.

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading He paused in his walk to look at his wife as if he expected to find on her face a commendation of this simile.

close enough to be walked to

From this reading The Major, with his hands behind him, was now walking up and down the short stretch of shade.

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

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

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

From this reading He had desperately appealed to the sympathy which one with so gentle a nature must feel for a dying man, and had implored her to intercede with her husband; but with compassionate firmness she had told him that no persuasion could move her husband from the only natural position he could take, and that she herself was forced to oppose the marriage.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading He paused in his walk to look at his wife as if he expected to find on her face a commendation of this simile.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Mrs. Cranceford had met Pennington in the road, and on his horse, in the shade of a cottonwood tree, he had leaned against the carriage window to tell her of his interview with the Major.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading "I don't wonder that the absurdity of it does not strike him," he said, "for he is a drowning sentimentalist, catching at a fantastic straw."