Chapter IX

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

From this reading To save Oliver from disgrace cost me a big price.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

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

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

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

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

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

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

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

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

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

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

with suspicion or disapproval

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

-ing form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading To save Oliver from disgrace cost me a big price.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

shining intensely

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading I paid Alec's confidence and respect to buy Oliver's honour.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

plural of “cat” — feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading Why, Oliver and I used to fight like cats and dogs.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading I paid Alec's confidence and respect to buy Oliver's honour.

the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor

From this reading To save Oliver from disgrace cost me a big price.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

-ing form of “deceive” — be false to; be dishonest with

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

bring shame or dishonor upon

From this reading To save Oliver from disgrace cost me a big price.

causing dejection

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

the feeling of being displeased or annoyed or dissatisfied with someone or something

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading Why, Oliver and I used to fight like cats and dogs.

come together

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading Why, Oliver and I used to fight like cats and dogs.

marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading To save Oliver from disgrace cost me a big price.

death of a person

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

the state of being honored

From this reading I paid Alec's confidence and respect to buy Oliver's honour.

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

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

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

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

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

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

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

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

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

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

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

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

not any; not one

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

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

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

United States jazz musician who influenced the style of Louis Armstrong (1885-1938)

From this reading To save Oliver from disgrace cost me a big price.

possessive form of “oliver” — United States jazz musician who influenced the style of Louis Armstrong (1885-1938)

From this reading I paid Alec's confidence and respect to buy Oliver's honour.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading I paid Alec's confidence and respect to buy Oliver's honour.

plural of “preference” — a strong liking

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

the act of giving a false appearance

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

the property of having material worth (often indicated by the amount of money something would bring if sold)

From this reading To save Oliver from disgrace cost me a big price.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading I paid Alec's confidence and respect to buy Oliver's honour.

United States professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

except for; apart from

From this reading To save Oliver from disgrace cost me a big price.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

express in words

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

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

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

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

From this reading To save Oliver from disgrace cost me a big price.

not inclined to talk or give information or express opinions

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading Why, Oliver and I used to fight like cats and dogs.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

in or to any place at all

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading Why, Oliver and I used to fight like cats and dogs.

in the company of; together with

From this reading How can I tell about the days that followed--black, blinding days with Alec's silent displeasure following me wherever I went, Ruth looking at me askance and avoiding an encounter, and I, firm, uncommunicative, and dismal as the grave?

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Sisters ought not to have preferences among their brothers, but, Father, you know, _you_--before whom now there is no deceiving or pretending--you know that there is no one in the world to me like Alec.