Chapter XXI

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

From this reading But before that day arrived, a great sorrow came to Denise, and she felt that not even Christmas joys could entirely dispel her sadness.

anew

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

somewhat ill or prone to illness

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

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

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

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

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading But before that day arrived, a great sorrow came to Denise, and she felt that not even Christmas joys could entirely dispel her sadness.

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

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

past form of “attack” — launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

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

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

an onerous or difficult concern

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But before that day arrived, a great sorrow came to Denise, and she felt that not even Christmas joys could entirely dispel her sadness.

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

From this reading But before that day arrived, a great sorrow came to Denise, and she felt that not even Christmas joys could entirely dispel her sadness.

past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

comparative of “cold” — having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

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

From this reading But before that day arrived, a great sorrow came to Denise, and she felt that not even Christmas joys could entirely dispel her sadness.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

dearly loved

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

a beloved person; used as terms of endearment

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

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

From this reading But before that day arrived, a great sorrow came to Denise, and she felt that not even Christmas joys could entirely dispel her sadness.

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

From this reading And it really was a great number in Denise’s life; it was two-thirds of all she, herself, had lived.

feelings of ardent love

From this reading But then came the thought of never seeing him again, and his long years of devotion to her; for eight years seem a very great number when one is young.

force to go away; used both with concrete and metaphoric meanings

From this reading But before that day arrived, a great sorrow came to Denise, and she felt that not even Christmas joys could entirely dispel her sadness.

plural of “draw” — a gully that is shallower than a ravine

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

being one more than seven

From this reading But then came the thought of never seeing him again, and his long years of devotion to her; for eight years seem a very great number when one is young.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading But before that day arrived, a great sorrow came to Denise, and she felt that not even Christmas joys could entirely dispel her sadness.

divisible by two

From this reading But before that day arrived, a great sorrow came to Denise, and she felt that not even Christmas joys could entirely dispel her sadness.

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading But before that day arrived, a great sorrow came to Denise, and she felt that not even Christmas joys could entirely dispel her sadness.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

for a limitless time

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading But before that day arrived, a great sorrow came to Denise, and she felt that not even Christmas joys could entirely dispel her sadness.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

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

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

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

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

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

From this reading But before that day arrived, a great sorrow came to Denise, and she felt that not even Christmas joys could entirely dispel her sadness.

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

From this reading And it really was a great number in Denise’s life; it was two-thirds of all she, herself, had lived.

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

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

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

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

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

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

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

From this reading And it really was a great number in Denise’s life; it was two-thirds of all she, herself, had lived.

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

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

plural of “joy” — the emotion of great happiness

From this reading But before that day arrived, a great sorrow came to Denise, and she felt that not even Christmas joys could entirely dispel her sadness.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading And it really was a great number in Denise’s life; it was two-thirds of all she, herself, had lived.

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 then came the thought of never seeing him again, and his long years of devotion to her; for eight years seem a very great number when one is young.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading But then came the thought of never seeing him again, and his long years of devotion to her; for eight years seem a very great number when one is young.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But before that day arrived, a great sorrow came to Denise, and she felt that not even Christmas joys could entirely dispel her sadness.

the month following October and preceding December

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading But then came the thought of never seeing him again, and his long years of devotion to her; for eight years seem a very great number when one is young.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But then came the thought of never seeing him again, and his long years of devotion to her; for eight years seem a very great number when one is young.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

on one occasion

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But then came the thought of never seeing him again, and his long years of devotion to her; for eight years seem a very great number when one is young.

plural of “pass” — (baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

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

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

just preceding something else in time or order

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading And it really was a great number in Denise’s life; it was two-thirds of all she, herself, had lived.

any painful disorder of the joints or muscles or connective tissues

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

emotions experienced when not in a state of well-being

From this reading But before that day arrived, a great sorrow came to Denise, and she felt that not even Christmas joys could entirely dispel her sadness.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

cut with a saw

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

plural of “secret” — something that should remain hidden from others (especially information that is not to be passed on)

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading But then came the thought of never seeing him again, and his long years of devotion to her; for eight years seem a very great number when one is young.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading But then came the thought of never seeing him again, and his long years of devotion to her; for eight years seem a very great number when one is young.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

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

From this reading But before that day arrived, a great sorrow came to Denise, and she felt that not even Christmas joys could entirely dispel her sadness.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement

From this reading But before that day arrived, a great sorrow came to Denise, and she felt that not even Christmas joys could entirely dispel her sadness.

a state of acute pain

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

plural of “surprise” — the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

continue to live and avoid dying

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But before that day arrived, a great sorrow came to Denise, and she felt that not even Christmas joys could entirely dispel her sadness.

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

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading But then came the thought of never seeing him again, and his long years of devotion to her; for eight years seem a very great number when one is young.

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

From this reading But then came the thought of never seeing him again, and his long years of devotion to her; for eight years seem a very great number when one is young.

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

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

two of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading And it really was a great number in Denise’s life; it was two-thirds of all she, herself, had lived.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

precisely as stated

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

of or relating to veterinarians or veterinary medicine

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

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

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

at the time that

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

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

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

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

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

in the company of; together with

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.

of very poor quality or condition

From this reading Since early winter Tan had been ailing, and as the weather grew colder and colder, the rheumatism which had caused him so much suffering the previous winter, and which the veterinary had said he feared he could not survive if it attacked him again, made life almost a burden for the dear old pet, and sometimes, when she saw how wretched he was, Denise almost wished that his suffering might be ended forever.

a late time of life

From this reading But then came the thought of never seeing him again, and his long years of devotion to her; for eight years seem a very great number when one is young.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading ANOTHER CHRISTMAS DAY DRAWS NEAR Once November passes, Christmas seems very near at hand, and, before we know it, the day dearest to all young people, with its plans, its secrets, and its surprises, is with us.