Chapter II · A Slight Misunderstanding

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

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The same untidiness that marked the house was to be seen about the barn also, which, if anything, was in a more dilapidated condition than the former.

in addition

From this reading The same untidiness that marked the house was to be seen about the barn also, which, if anything, was in a more dilapidated condition than the former.

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

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

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

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

any thing at all

From this reading The same untidiness that marked the house was to be seen about the barn also, which, if anything, was in a more dilapidated condition than the former.

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

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

a positive feeling of wanting to push ahead with something

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

an outlying farm building for storing grain or animal feed and housing farm animals

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

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

From this reading Early rising was evidently one of the things to be expected in his new home.

United States artist whose paintings portrayed life in the Midwest and South (1889-1975)

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

eat an early morning meal

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

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

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

a state at a particular time

From this reading The same untidiness that marked the house was to be seen about the barn also, which, if anything, was in a more dilapidated condition than the former.

domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

in deplorable condition

From this reading The same untidiness that marked the house was to be seen about the barn also, which, if anything, was in a more dilapidated condition than the former.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

abundantly covered or supplied with; often used in combination

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

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

From this reading Early rising was evidently one of the things to be expected in his new home.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading Early rising was evidently one of the things to be expected in his new home.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading Early rising was evidently one of the things to be expected in his new home.

the act of consuming food

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading The same untidiness that marked the house was to be seen about the barn also, which, if anything, was in a more dilapidated condition than the former.

set up or found

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading He noticed the kitchen time-piece as he passed through the room, and knew it was not yet four o’clock.

very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

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

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

in a hurried or hasty manner

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

grass mowed and cured for use as fodder

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

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

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

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

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

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

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

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

From this reading Early rising was evidently one of the things to be expected in his new home.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Early rising was evidently one of the things to be expected in his new home.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The same untidiness that marked the house was to be seen about the barn also, which, if anything, was in a more dilapidated condition than the former.

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The same untidiness that marked the house was to be seen about the barn also, which, if anything, was in a more dilapidated condition than the former.

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

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

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

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading He noticed the kitchen time-piece as he passed through the room, and knew it was not yet four o’clock.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading The same untidiness that marked the house was to be seen about the barn also, which, if anything, was in a more dilapidated condition than the former.

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

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

covered with or smelling of mold

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Early rising was evidently one of the things to be expected in his new home.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He noticed the kitchen time-piece as he passed through the room, and knew it was not yet four o’clock.

being perceived or observed

From this reading He noticed the kitchen time-piece as he passed through the room, and knew it was not yet four o’clock.

according to the clock

From this reading He noticed the kitchen time-piece as he passed through the room, and knew it was not yet four o’clock.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Early rising was evidently one of the things to be expected in his new home.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Early rising was evidently one of the things to be expected in his new home.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading He noticed the kitchen time-piece as he passed through the room, and knew it was not yet four o’clock.

plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

plural of “ration” — the food allowance for one day (especially for service personnel)

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

the act of physically reaching or thrusting out

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading Early rising was evidently one of the things to be expected in his new home.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading He noticed the kitchen time-piece as he passed through the room, and knew it was not yet four o’clock.

Identical; not different.

From this reading The same untidiness that marked the house was to be seen about the barn also, which, if anything, was in a more dilapidated condition than the former.

a small and inadequate amount

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading The same untidiness that marked the house was to be seen about the barn also, which, if anything, was in a more dilapidated condition than the former.

past form of “seize” — take hold of; grab

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

not in physical motion

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The same untidiness that marked the house was to be seen about the barn also, which, if anything, was in a more dilapidated condition than the former.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

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

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Early rising was evidently one of the things to be expected in his new home.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading He noticed the kitchen time-piece as he passed through the room, and knew it was not yet four o’clock.

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

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

From this reading He noticed the kitchen time-piece as he passed through the room, and knew it was not yet four o’clock.

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

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

plural of “torrent” — a heavy rain

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

the condition of being untidy

From this reading The same untidiness that marked the house was to be seen about the barn also, which, if anything, was in a more dilapidated condition than the former.

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

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

in or at the place that

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

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

From this reading The same untidiness that marked the house was to be seen about the barn also, which, if anything, was in a more dilapidated condition than the former.

which person or people

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Reaching the barn quite drenched, Budd found Mr. Benton engaged in feeding a dozen or more gaunt and ill-kept cows, who seized the musty hay thrown down to them with an avidity that suggested, on their part, a scarcity of rations.

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

From this reading It was still dark, and the rain fell in torrents as Budd opened the kitchen door and ran hastily out to the barn, where Mrs. Benton, who was making preparations for breakfast, had told him he would find her husband.

but in spite of that

From this reading He noticed the kitchen time-piece as he passed through the room, and knew it was not yet four o’clock.