Chapter XVIII

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

From this reading In the midst of his restless, empty wanderings he often sat for a while in a little park that rustled and nodded upon the top of a bluff overlooking a broad river.

plural of “ability” — the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

later than; following

From this reading After that evening he managed to protect his loneliness with clever words.

Having no one else present.

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

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

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

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

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

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

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

a high steep bank (usually formed by river erosion)

From this reading In the midst of his restless, empty wanderings he often sat for a while in a little park that rustled and nodded upon the top of a bluff overlooking a broad river.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading In the midst of his restless, empty wanderings he often sat for a while in a little park that rustled and nodded upon the top of a bluff overlooking a broad river.

a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

preoccupied with the pursuit of pleasure and especially games of chance

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

From this reading After that evening he managed to protect his loneliness with clever words.

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

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

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

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

-ing form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

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

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

exultantly proud and joyful; in high spirits

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

make void or empty of contents

From this reading In the midst of his restless, empty wanderings he often sat for a while in a little park that rustled and nodded upon the top of a bluff overlooking a broad river.

characterized by lightness and insubstantiality; as impalpable or intangible as air

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

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

From this reading After that evening he managed to protect his loneliness with clever words.

having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

inflected form of “flee” — run away quickly

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

set up or found

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

someone who flees from an uncongenial situation

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

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

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

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

From this reading After that evening he managed to protect his loneliness with clever words.

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

From this reading After that evening he managed to protect his loneliness with clever words.

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

From this reading In the midst of his restless, empty wanderings he often sat for a while in a little park that rustled and nodded upon the top of a bluff overlooking a broad river.

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

an adornment (as a bracelet or ring or necklace) made of precious metals and set with gems (or imitation gems)

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

possessive form of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

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

From this reading In the midst of his restless, empty wanderings he often sat for a while in a little park that rustled and nodded upon the top of a bluff overlooking a broad river.

the state of being alone in solitary isolation

From this reading After that evening he managed to protect his loneliness with clever words.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal

From this reading After that evening he managed to protect his loneliness with clever words.

concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

the location of something surrounded by other things

From this reading In the midst of his restless, empty wanderings he often sat for a while in a little park that rustled and nodded upon the top of a bluff overlooking a broad river.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

inflected form of “nod” — express or signify by nodding

From this reading In the midst of his restless, empty wanderings he often sat for a while in a little park that rustled and nodded upon the top of a bluff overlooking a broad river.

in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

many times at short intervals

From this reading In the midst of his restless, empty wanderings he often sat for a while in a little park that rustled and nodded upon the top of a bluff overlooking a broad river.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

used of a height or viewpoint

From this reading In the midst of his restless, empty wanderings he often sat for a while in a little park that rustled and nodded upon the top of a bluff overlooking a broad river.

coated with paint

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property

From this reading In the midst of his restless, empty wanderings he often sat for a while in a little park that rustled and nodded upon the top of a bluff overlooking a broad river.

shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage

From this reading After that evening he managed to protect his loneliness with clever words.

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

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

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

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

plural of “resort” — a hotel located in a resort area

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

worried and uneasy

From this reading In the midst of his restless, empty wanderings he often sat for a while in a little park that rustled and nodded upon the top of a bluff overlooking a broad river.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading In the midst of his restless, empty wanderings he often sat for a while in a little park that rustled and nodded upon the top of a bluff overlooking a broad river.

move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

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

From this reading In the midst of his restless, empty wanderings he often sat for a while in a little park that rustled and nodded upon the top of a bluff overlooking a broad river.

plural of “salute” — an act of honor or courteous recognition

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

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

From this reading In the midst of his restless, empty wanderings he often sat for a while in a little park that rustled and nodded upon the top of a bluff overlooking a broad river.

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

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

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

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

look at with fixed eyes

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

not in physical motion

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading After that evening he managed to protect his loneliness with clever words.

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

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

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

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

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

From this reading After that evening he managed to protect his loneliness with clever words.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

the upper part of anything

From this reading In the midst of his restless, empty wanderings he often sat for a while in a little park that rustled and nodded upon the top of a bluff overlooking a broad river.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading In the midst of his restless, empty wanderings he often sat for a while in a little park that rustled and nodded upon the top of a bluff overlooking a broad river.

plural of “wandering” — travelling about without any clear destination

From this reading In the midst of his restless, empty wanderings he often sat for a while in a little park that rustled and nodded upon the top of a bluff overlooking a broad river.

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

From this reading He told the Edlemans that he was looking for material for short stories and that he intended to roam about the city; and, elated at his purpose, they did not object.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

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

From this reading Since most of his relatives were still displaying their dignity, jewelry, and card-playing abilities at northern summer resorts, he found it easy to be alone.

in or at the place that

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

during the time that

From this reading In the midst of his restless, empty wanderings he often sat for a while in a little park that rustled and nodded upon the top of a bluff overlooking a broad river.

which person or people

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

in the company of; together with

From this reading After that evening he managed to protect his loneliness with clever words.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

the words that are spoken

From this reading After that evening he managed to protect his loneliness with clever words.

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

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.

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

From this reading There he would stare out at the wide, yellowish-brown flat of water, and the dull green convolutions of the distant shore, and the water would become an ethereal canvas where he painted fugitive salutes to the woman who had fled from life’s semblances.