Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

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

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading The air had grown close and stifling, and presently he arose and struck a match.

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

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

used to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous statement

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading The air had grown close and stifling, and presently he arose and struck a match.

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

From this reading He could hear the raging storm and pounding seas in a muffled roar, as though far away, while he lay for a little while wondering at the darkness.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

inflected form of “awake” — stop sleeping

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

providing no shelter or sustenance

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

for the reason that

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

a storm with widespread snowfall accompanied by strong winds

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

an informal term for a British policeman

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

plural of “bough” — any of the larger branches of a tree

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

To consume or be consumed by fire.

From this reading It glowed for a moment but refused to burn.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading The air had grown close and stifling, and presently he arose and struck a match.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

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

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

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

From this reading He could hear the raging storm and pounding seas in a muffled roar, as though far away, while he lay for a little while wondering at the darkness.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading He could hear the raging storm and pounding seas in a muffled roar, as though far away, while he lay for a little while wondering at the darkness.

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

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

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

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

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

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

divisible by two

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading He could hear the raging storm and pounding seas in a muffled roar, as though far away, while he lay for a little while wondering at the darkness.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

past form of “glow” — emit a steady even light without flames

From this reading It glowed for a moment but refused to burn.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading The air had grown close and stifling, and presently he arose and struck a match.

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

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

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

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading He could hear the raging storm and pounding seas in a muffled roar, as though far away, while he lay for a little while wondering at the darkness.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

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

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

putting someone in prison or in jail as lawful punishment

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

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

From this reading He could hear the raging storm and pounding seas in a muffled roar, as though far away, while he lay for a little while wondering at the darkness.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

immediately past

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading He could hear the raging storm and pounding seas in a muffled roar, as though far away, while he lay for a little while wondering at the darkness.

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

From this reading He could hear the raging storm and pounding seas in a muffled roar, as though far away, while he lay for a little while wondering at the darkness.

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 PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics

From this reading The air had grown close and stifling, and presently he arose and struck a match.

a particular point in time

From this reading It glowed for a moment but refused to burn.

being or made softer or less loud or clear

From this reading He could hear the raging storm and pounding seas in a muffled roar, as though far away, while he lay for a little while wondering at the darkness.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

an insignificant place

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

repeated heavy blows

From this reading He could hear the raging storm and pounding seas in a muffled roar, as though far away, while he lay for a little while wondering at the darkness.

in the near future

From this reading The air had grown close and stifling, and presently he arose and struck a match.

a person who is confined; especially a prisoner of war

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

filled with bewilderment

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

characterized by violent and forceful activity or movement; very intense

From this reading He could hear the raging storm and pounding seas in a muffled roar, as though far away, while he lay for a little while wondering at the darkness.

past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards

From this reading It glowed for a moment but refused to burn.

make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles

From this reading He could hear the raging storm and pounding seas in a muffled roar, as though far away, while he lay for a little while wondering at the darkness.

plural of “sea” — a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading He could hear the raging storm and pounding seas in a muffled roar, as though far away, while he lay for a little while wondering at the darkness.

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

offering safety; well protected or concealed

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

use up a period of time in a specific way

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

forceful prevention; putting down by power or authority

From this reading The air had grown close and stifling, and presently he arose and struck a match.

not in physical motion

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading He could hear the raging storm and pounding seas in a muffled roar, as though far away, while he lay for a little while wondering at the darkness.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading The air had grown close and stifling, and presently he arose and struck a match.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

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

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

in or at that place or location

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He could hear the raging storm and pounding seas in a muffled roar, as though far away, while he lay for a little while wondering at the darkness.

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

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

up to a particular time

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

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

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.

at the time that

From this reading But even then it was still dark when he awoke, and at first he was puzzled, for he was sure he had slept away hours enough for daylight to have come.

during the time that

From this reading He could hear the raging storm and pounding seas in a muffled roar, as though far away, while he lay for a little while wondering at the darkness.

showing curiosity

From this reading He could hear the raging storm and pounding seas in a muffled roar, as though far away, while he lay for a little while wondering at the darkness.

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

From this reading PRISONER ON A BARREN ISLAND Because his bed of boughs was snug and comfortable, and because there was nothing else to do and nowhere to go, and it was the best way, anyhow, to spend the hours of imprisonment that would last until the blizzard spent itself, Bobby gave himself the luxury of a long sleep.