Chapter XXIX · Chapter 29

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

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

later than; following

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

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

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

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

From this reading He dissolved his partnership with Contini, but Andrea Contini and Company still continued to exist.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

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

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Orsino was free at last.

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

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading For some time Orsino believed this to have been the case, but events proved that he was mistaken.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading For some time Orsino believed this to have been the case, but events proved that he was mistaken.

an occurrence of something

From this reading For some time Orsino believed this to have been the case, but events proved that he was mistaken.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

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

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

without stop or interruption

From this reading He dissolved his partnership with Contini, but Andrea Contini and Company still continued to exist.

enter into a contractual arrangement

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

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

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

formed or developed from something else; not original

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

(of solid matter) reduced to a liquid form

From this reading He dissolved his partnership with Contini, but Andrea Contini and Company still continued to exist.

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

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

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading For some time Orsino believed this to have been the case, but events proved that he was mistaken.

have an existence, be extant

From this reading He dissolved his partnership with Contini, but Andrea Contini and Company still continued to exist.

a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

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

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading Orsino was free at last.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

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

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading For some time Orsino believed this to have been the case, but events proved that he was mistaken.

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

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

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

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

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

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

past form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

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

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

incapable of being explained or accounted for

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

not formal

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

show to be right by providing justification or proof

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

conformity or harmony

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

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

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

immediately past

From this reading Orsino was free at last.

established by or founded upon law or official or accepted rules

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

wrong in e.g. opinion or judgment

From this reading For some time Orsino believed this to have been the case, but events proved that he was mistaken.

plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

of an obscure nature

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

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

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

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

From this reading Orsino was free at last.

the members of a business venture created by contract

From this reading He dissolved his partnership with Contini, but Andrea Contini and Company still continued to exist.

the excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time (including depreciation and other non-cash expenses)

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

established beyond doubt

From this reading For some time Orsino believed this to have been the case, but events proved that he was mistaken.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

release, as from one's grip

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

superlative of “simple” — having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading For some time Orsino believed this to have been the case, but events proved that he was mistaken.

plural of “speculation” — a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

not in physical motion

From this reading He dissolved his partnership with Contini, but Andrea Contini and Company still continued to exist.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

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

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading For some time Orsino believed this to have been the case, but events proved that he was mistaken.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

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

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

hard to endure

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

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

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

not encouraging or approving or pleasing

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

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

From this reading Orsino was free at last.

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

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading The whole matter was incomprehensible to him, and almost mysterious, so that after he had at last received his legal release he spent his time in trying to discover the motives of Del Ferice's conduct.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The simplest explanation seemed to be that Ugo had not derived as much profit from the last contract as he had hoped for, though it had been enough to justify him in keeping his informal engagement with Contini and Company, and that he feared a new and unfavourable change in business which made any further speculations of the kind dangerous.