Chapter XVIII

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

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

an event or situation that happens at the same time as or in connection with another

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The men at the other end of the carriage made themselves comfortable upon the benches, and the two women slumbered intermittently among the bundles.

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

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

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

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

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

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

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

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

inflected form of “awake” — stop sleeping

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

to a severe or serious degree

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

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

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

plural of “bench” — a long seat for more than one person

From this reading The men at the other end of the carriage made themselves comfortable upon the benches, and the two women slumbered intermittently among the bundles.

plural of “bundle” — a collection of things wrapped or boxed together

From this reading The men at the other end of the carriage made themselves comfortable upon the benches, and the two women slumbered intermittently among the bundles.

inflected form of “busy” — keep busy with

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

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

From this reading It was still her intention to throw herself suddenly at Caerleon’s feet and entreat him to listen to her for a moment.

a railcar where passengers ride

From this reading The men at the other end of the carriage made themselves comfortable upon the benches, and the two women slumbered intermittently among the bundles.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

having a hard nonresonant metallic sound

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

make overcast or cloudy

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)

From this reading The men at the other end of the carriage made themselves comfortable upon the benches, and the two women slumbered intermittently among the bundles.

a state at a particular time

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

past form of “conduct” — direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

plural of “coupling” — a connection (like a clamp or vise) between two things so they move together

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

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

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

having variety of character or form or components; or having increased variety

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

the period of time during which something continues

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading The men at the other end of the carriage made themselves comfortable upon the benches, and the two women slumbered intermittently among the bundles.

motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

ask for or request earnestly

From this reading It was still her intention to throw herself suddenly at Caerleon’s feet and entreat him to listen to her for a moment.

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

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

at any time

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

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

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading It was still her intention to throw herself suddenly at Caerleon’s feet and entreat him to listen to her for a moment.

moving swiftly

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

produced by or subjected to forcing

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

possessive form of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

a quick look

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

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

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

plural of “halt” — the state of inactivity following an interruption

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

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

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

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

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

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

From this reading It was still her intention to throw herself suddenly at Caerleon’s feet and entreat him to listen to her for a moment.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

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

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

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

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

continual and persistent demands

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

have in mind as a purpose

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading It was still her intention to throw herself suddenly at Caerleon’s feet and entreat him to listen to her for a moment.

in an intermittent manner

From this reading The men at the other end of the carriage made themselves comfortable upon the benches, and the two women slumbered intermittently among the bundles.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

set down according to a plan

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

immediately past

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

the production of eggs (especially in birds)

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

hear with intention

From this reading It was still her intention to throw herself suddenly at Caerleon’s feet and entreat him to listen to her for a moment.

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 SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The men at the other end of the carriage made themselves comfortable upon the benches, and the two women slumbered intermittently among the bundles.

engage in

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

the force of workers available

From this reading The men at the other end of the carriage made themselves comfortable upon the benches, and the two women slumbered intermittently among the bundles.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

a particular point in time

From this reading It was still her intention to throw herself suddenly at Caerleon’s feet and entreat him to listen to her for a moment.

in a monotonous manner

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

the next day

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

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

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

conforming with or constituting a norm or standard or level or type or social norm; not abnormal

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

occurring from time to time

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The men at the other end of the carriage made themselves comfortable upon the benches, and the two women slumbered intermittently among the bundles.

a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

(American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running into the line

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

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

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

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

From this reading The men at the other end of the carriage made themselves comfortable upon the benches, and the two women slumbered intermittently among the bundles.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

(astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

(Roman Catholic Church) a devotion consisting of fourteen prayers said before a series of fourteen pictures or carvings representing successive incidents during Jesus' passage from Pilate's house to his crucifixion at Calvary

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

travel by means of steam power

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

not in physical motion

From this reading It was still her intention to throw herself suddenly at Caerleon’s feet and entreat him to listen to her for a moment.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading It was still her intention to throw herself suddenly at Caerleon’s feet and entreat him to listen to her for a moment.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

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

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading The men at the other end of the carriage made themselves comfortable upon the benches, and the two women slumbered intermittently among the bundles.

propel through the air

From this reading It was still her intention to throw herself suddenly at Caerleon’s feet and entreat him to listen to her for a moment.

make a dull sound

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

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

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

a line or route along which something travels or moves

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

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

From this reading The men at the other end of the carriage made themselves comfortable upon the benches, and the two women slumbered intermittently among the bundles.

not even or uniform as e.g. in shape or texture

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

not brought to the desired final state

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

except if; if not

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The men at the other end of the carriage made themselves comfortable upon the benches, and the two women slumbered intermittently among the bundles.

the act of using

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

marked by diversity or difference

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

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

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

at any time that; every time that

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Whenever she awoke Nadia busied herself in laying her plans for the morrow, as she sat gazing into the flying darkness, with an occasional glimpse of a distant star or a cloud of rushing steam.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The men at the other end of the carriage made themselves comfortable upon the benches, and the two women slumbered intermittently among the bundles.

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading Her friend’s insistence upon the necessity of a written petition had given her a new idea, but she did not intend to make use of it unless she was forced to do so by circumstances.

but in spite of that

From this reading SO NEAR, AND YET---- The long hours of evening and night wore away, so monotonously that Nadia began to feel as if a slow and uneven progress on a badly laid track, conducted to the accompaniment of the clanking of couplings and the dull thud of the engine, and diversified by halts of varying duration at unfinished and ill-lighted stations, was a normal condition of her life, and might be expected to last for ever.