Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading If ever there was a man who without the slightest obtrusiveness, or self-assertion of any kind, had unlimited influence over those about him, it was Arnold Grey.

plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading Friends, acquaintances, undergraduates, even down to children and servants, all did, more or less, sooner or later, the good pleasure of Dr. Grey.

later than; following

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Friends, acquaintances, undergraduates, even down to children and servants, all did, more or less, sooner or later, the good pleasure of Dr. Grey.

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

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

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

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading If ever there was a man who without the slightest obtrusiveness, or self-assertion of any kind, had unlimited influence over those about him, it was Arnold Grey.

English poet and literary critic (1822-1888)

From this reading If ever there was a man who without the slightest obtrusiveness, or self-assertion of any kind, had unlimited influence over those about him, it was Arnold Grey.

a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

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

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

for the reason that

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

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

From this reading Friends, acquaintances, undergraduates, even down to children and servants, all did, more or less, sooner or later, the good pleasure of Dr. Grey.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

the body of faculty and students of a college

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

a natural object that covers or envelops

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

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

From this reading Friends, acquaintances, undergraduates, even down to children and servants, all did, more or less, sooner or later, the good pleasure of Dr. Grey.

the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

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

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

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

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

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

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

divisible by two

From this reading Friends, acquaintances, undergraduates, even down to children and servants, all did, more or less, sooner or later, the good pleasure of Dr. Grey.

at any time

From this reading If ever there was a man who without the slightest obtrusiveness, or self-assertion of any kind, had unlimited influence over those about him, it was Arnold Grey.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

granted exemption

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

opinion or judgment

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

one of the inherent cognitive or perceptual powers of the mind

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

a boy or man

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

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

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

a first-year undergraduate

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Friends, acquaintances, undergraduates, even down to children and servants, all did, more or less, sooner or later, the good pleasure of Dr. Grey.

of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black

From this reading If ever there was a man who without the slightest obtrusiveness, or self-assertion of any kind, had unlimited influence over those about him, it was Arnold Grey.

possessive form of “grey” — United States writer of western adventure novels (1875-1939)

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

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

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

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

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

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

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

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

From this reading If ever there was a man who without the slightest obtrusiveness, or self-assertion of any kind, had unlimited influence over those about him, it was Arnold Grey.

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

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

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

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If ever there was a man who without the slightest obtrusiveness, or self-assertion of any kind, had unlimited influence over those about him, it was Arnold Grey.

a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading If ever there was a man who without the slightest obtrusiveness, or self-assertion of any kind, had unlimited influence over those about him, it was Arnold Grey.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading If ever there was a man who without the slightest obtrusiveness, or self-assertion of any kind, had unlimited influence over those about him, it was Arnold Grey.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Friends, acquaintances, undergraduates, even down to children and servants, all did, more or less, sooner or later, the good pleasure of Dr. Grey.

the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Friends, acquaintances, undergraduates, even down to children and servants, all did, more or less, sooner or later, the good pleasure of Dr. Grey.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

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

From this reading If ever there was a man who without the slightest obtrusiveness, or self-assertion of any kind, had unlimited influence over those about him, it was Arnold Grey.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

the skill of a master

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

plural of “miss” — a young female

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

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

From this reading Friends, acquaintances, undergraduates, even down to children and servants, all did, more or less, sooner or later, the good pleasure of Dr. Grey.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

an unwelcome conspicuousness

From this reading If ever there was a man who without the slightest obtrusiveness, or self-assertion of any kind, had unlimited influence over those about him, it was Arnold Grey.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading If ever there was a man who without the slightest obtrusiveness, or self-assertion of any kind, had unlimited influence over those about him, it was Arnold Grey.

above and across; more than

From this reading If ever there was a man who without the slightest obtrusiveness, or self-assertion of any kind, had unlimited influence over those about him, it was Arnold Grey.

plural of “peculiarity” — an odd or unusual characteristic

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading Friends, acquaintances, undergraduates, even down to children and servants, all did, more or less, sooner or later, the good pleasure of Dr. Grey.

not tired; refreshed as by sleeping or relaxing

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

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

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

the act of putting forth your own opinions in a boastful or inconsiderate manner that implies you feel superior to others

From this reading If ever there was a man who without the slightest obtrusiveness, or self-assertion of any kind, had unlimited influence over those about him, it was Arnold Grey.

responsive to physical stimuli

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading Friends, acquaintances, undergraduates, even down to children and servants, all did, more or less, sooner or later, the good pleasure of Dr. Grey.

superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some

From this reading If ever there was a man who without the slightest obtrusiveness, or self-assertion of any kind, had unlimited influence over those about him, it was Arnold Grey.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

comparatives of “soon” or “early”

From this reading Friends, acquaintances, undergraduates, even down to children and servants, all did, more or less, sooner or later, the good pleasure of Dr. Grey.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

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

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

from that place or that time

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

in or at that place or location

From this reading If ever there was a man who without the slightest obtrusiveness, or self-assertion of any kind, had unlimited influence over those about him, it was Arnold Grey.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

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

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

be a tutor to someone; give individual instruction

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

plural of “undergraduate” — a university student who has not yet received a first degree

From this reading Friends, acquaintances, undergraduates, even down to children and servants, all did, more or less, sooner or later, the good pleasure of Dr. Grey.

having no limits in range or scope

From this reading If ever there was a man who without the slightest obtrusiveness, or self-assertion of any kind, had unlimited influence over those about him, it was Arnold Grey.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

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

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

at the time that

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

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

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

which person or people

From this reading But when the door closed after her, Dr. Grey's eyes rested on it like those of one who misses a light.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Throughout a life spent entirely within the college walls, he had, from freshman to fellow, from thence to tutor, and so on to the early dignity of mastership, the most extraordinary faculty of making people do whatsoever he liked---ay, and enjoy the doing of it.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading If ever there was a man who without the slightest obtrusiveness, or self-assertion of any kind, had unlimited influence over those about him, it was Arnold Grey.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading He sat down covering his mouth--his firmly-set but excessively sensitive month with his hand, an attitude which was one of his peculiarities; for he had many, which the world excused because of his learning, and his friends--well, because of himself.