Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading But the minute the osprey caught it, it belonged to the osprey, just as much as it would belong to you if you caught it with a net or a hook.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

feel admiration for

From this reading So we admire Fisherman Osprey for his strength and swiftness and skill, and are glad for him when he flies off with the prize, which is his very own as long as he can keep it.

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

From this reading Of course, to begin with, the fish belonged to itself as long as it could dive quickly enough or swim fast enough to keep itself free and safe.

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

From this reading So we admire Fisherman Osprey for his strength and swiftness and skill, and are glad for him when he flies off with the prize, which is his very own as long as he can keep it.

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

From this reading Of course, to begin with, the fish belonged to itself as long as it could dive quickly enough or swim fast enough to keep itself free and safe.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Of course, to begin with, the fish belonged to itself as long as it could dive quickly enough or swim fast enough to keep itself free and safe.

be owned by; be in the possession of

From this reading But the minute the osprey caught it, it belonged to the osprey, just as much as it would belong to you if you caught it with a net or a hook.

past form of “belong” — be owned by; be in the possession of

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

in addition to; as well as

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the minute the osprey caught it, it belonged to the osprey, just as much as it would belong to you if you caught it with a net or a hook.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading But the minute the osprey caught it, it belonged to the osprey, just as much as it would belong to you if you caught it with a net or a hook.

plural of “century” — a period of 100 years

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

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

From this reading Of course, to begin with, the fish belonged to itself as long as it could dive quickly enough or swim fast enough to keep itself free and safe.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Of course, to begin with, the fish belonged to itself as long as it could dive quickly enough or swim fast enough to keep itself free and safe.

pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

a cheap disreputable nightclub or dance hall

From this reading Of course, to begin with, the fish belonged to itself as long as it could dive quickly enough or swim fast enough to keep itself free and safe.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

take in solid food

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading Of course, to begin with, the fish belonged to itself as long as it could dive quickly enough or swim fast enough to keep itself free and safe.

divisible by two

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading Of course, to begin with, the fish belonged to itself as long as it could dive quickly enough or swim fast enough to keep itself free and safe.

any of various mostly cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates usually having scales and breathing through gills

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

someone whose occupation is catching fish

From this reading So we admire Fisherman Osprey for his strength and swiftness and skill, and are glad for him when he flies off with the prize, which is his very own as long as he can keep it.

(theater) the space over the stage (out of view of the audience) used to store scenery (drop curtains)

From this reading So we admire Fisherman Osprey for his strength and swiftness and skill, and are glad for him when he flies off with the prize, which is his very own as long as he can keep it.

any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading Of course, to begin with, the fish belonged to itself as long as it could dive quickly enough or swim fast enough to keep itself free and safe.

showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy

From this reading So we admire Fisherman Osprey for his strength and swiftness and skill, and are glad for him when he flies off with the prize, which is his very own as long as he can keep it.

pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

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

From this reading So we admire Fisherman Osprey for his strength and swiftness and skill, and are glad for him when he flies off with the prize, which is his very own as long as he can keep it.

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

From this reading So we admire Fisherman Osprey for his strength and swiftness and skill, and are glad for him when he flies off with the prize, which is his very own as long as he can keep it.

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

From this reading So we admire Fisherman Osprey for his strength and swiftness and skill, and are glad for him when he flies off with the prize, which is his very own as long as he can keep it.

fasten with a hook

From this reading But the minute the osprey caught it, it belonged to the osprey, just as much as it would belong to you if you caught it with a net or a hook.

large strong hand (as of a fighter)

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

reflecting the fear or terror of one who is hunted

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading But the minute the osprey caught it, it belonged to the osprey, just as much as it would belong to you if you caught it with a net or a hook.

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

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

past form of “invent” — come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

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

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Of course, to begin with, the fish belonged to itself as long as it could dive quickly enough or swim fast enough to keep itself free and safe.

and nothing more

From this reading But the minute the osprey caught it, it belonged to the osprey, just as much as it would belong to you if you caught it with a net or a hook.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Of course, to begin with, the fish belonged to itself as long as it could dive quickly enough or swim fast enough to keep itself free and safe.

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

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 Of course, to begin with, the fish belonged to itself as long as it could dive quickly enough or swim fast enough to keep itself free and safe.

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

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

the force of workers available

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

From this reading But the minute the osprey caught it, it belonged to the osprey, just as much as it would belong to you if you caught it with a net or a hook.

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

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading But the minute the osprey caught it, it belonged to the osprey, just as much as it would belong to you if you caught it with a net or a hook.

a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange

From this reading But the minute the osprey caught it, it belonged to the osprey, just as much as it would belong to you if you caught it with a net or a hook.

plural of “net” — a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Of course, to begin with, the fish belonged to itself as long as it could dive quickly enough or swim fast enough to keep itself free and safe.

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

From this reading So we admire Fisherman Osprey for his strength and swiftness and skill, and are glad for him when he flies off with the prize, which is his very own as long as he can keep it.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

large harmless hawk found worldwide that feeds on fish and builds a bulky nest often occupied for years

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

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

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading So we admire Fisherman Osprey for his strength and swiftness and skill, and are glad for him when he flies off with the prize, which is his very own as long as he can keep it.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery

From this reading So we admire Fisherman Osprey for his strength and swiftness and skill, and are glad for him when he flies off with the prize, which is his very own as long as he can keep it.

with speed

From this reading Of course, to begin with, the fish belonged to itself as long as it could dive quickly enough or swim fast enough to keep itself free and safe.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading Of course, to begin with, the fish belonged to itself as long as it could dive quickly enough or swim fast enough to keep itself free and safe.

a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

cut with a saw

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

an ability that has been acquired by training

From this reading So we admire Fisherman Osprey for his strength and swiftness and skill, and are glad for him when he flies off with the prize, which is his very own as long as he can keep it.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So we admire Fisherman Osprey for his strength and swiftness and skill, and are glad for him when he flies off with the prize, which is his very own as long as he can keep it.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading So we admire Fisherman Osprey for his strength and swiftness and skill, and are glad for him when he flies off with the prize, which is his very own as long as he can keep it.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

a rate (usually rapid) at which something happens

From this reading So we admire Fisherman Osprey for his strength and swiftness and skill, and are glad for him when he flies off with the prize, which is his very own as long as he can keep it.

travel through water

From this reading Of course, to begin with, the fish belonged to itself as long as it could dive quickly enough or swim fast enough to keep itself free and safe.

express in words

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

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

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

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

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

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

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

precisely as stated

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

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

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

at the time that

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading When we think about it that way, it is very easy to tell whether the fish belonged to the osprey or to Uncle Sam.

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

From this reading So we admire Fisherman Osprey for his strength and swiftness and skill, and are glad for him when he flies off with the prize, which is his very own as long as he can keep it.

during the time that

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

a Caucasian

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Of course, to begin with, the fish belonged to itself as long as it could dive quickly enough or swim fast enough to keep itself free and safe.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

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

From this reading But the minute the osprey caught it, it belonged to the osprey, just as much as it would belong to you if you caught it with a net or a hook.

an affirmative

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading But the minute the osprey caught it, it belonged to the osprey, just as much as it would belong to you if you caught it with a net or a hook.

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

From this reading Yes, the fish belonged to the osprey _more_ than it would belong to you; for ospreys hunted food for themselves and for their young in that lake centuries and centuries before a white man even saw it, and before nets and hooks were invented; and besides, in most places, the children of men can live and grow if they never eat a fish, while the children of the osprey would die without such food.