Chapter XXV · The Hospital Dead-House

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

From this reading DURING my career as a gardener I became very unwell.

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading Another cause of my serious and probably life-long illness may possibly be traced to an insane and spontaneous act—an over-taxation of nature—many months previously.

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

From this reading Another cause of my serious and probably life-long illness may possibly be traced to an insane and spontaneous act—an over-taxation of nature—many months previously.

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

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading Another cause of my serious and probably life-long illness may possibly be traced to an insane and spontaneous act—an over-taxation of nature—many months previously.

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

From this reading DURING my career as a gardener I became very unwell.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

to gain with effort

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

achieved or reached

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

a construct whereby objects or individuals can be distinguished

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

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

From this reading Another cause of my serious and probably life-long illness may possibly be traced to an insane and spontaneous act—an over-taxation of nature—many months previously.

plural of “bearing” — relevant relation or interconnection

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading DURING my career as a gardener I became very unwell.

the property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading DURING my career as a gardener I became very unwell.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading Another cause of my serious and probably life-long illness may possibly be traced to an insane and spontaneous act—an over-taxation of nature—many months previously.

coldness due to a cold environment

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

without doubt or question

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

past form of “contemplate” — look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

reduced in size or pulled together

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

persuaded of; very sure

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

slightly wet

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

wanted intensely

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

characterized by great determination

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

not airtight

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading DURING my career as a gardener I became very unwell.

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

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

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

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

past form of “fine” — issue a ticket or a fine to as a penalty

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

set up or found

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

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 Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

someone who takes care of a garden

From this reading DURING my career as a gardener I became very unwell.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

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

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

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

From this reading DURING my career as a gardener I became very unwell.

impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism

From this reading Another cause of my serious and probably life-long illness may possibly be traced to an insane and spontaneous act—an over-taxation of nature—many months previously.

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

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

plural of “indication” — something that serves to indicate or suggest

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

afflicted with or characteristic of mental derangement

From this reading Another cause of my serious and probably life-long illness may possibly be traced to an insane and spontaneous act—an over-taxation of nature—many months previously.

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

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

From this reading Another cause of my serious and probably life-long illness may possibly be traced to an insane and spontaneous act—an over-taxation of nature—many months previously.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

any unwholesome or desperate condition

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

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 Another cause of my serious and probably life-long illness may possibly be traced to an insane and spontaneous act—an over-taxation of nature—many months previously.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Another cause of my serious and probably life-long illness may possibly be traced to an insane and spontaneous act—an over-taxation of nature—many months previously.

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

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading Another cause of my serious and probably life-long illness may possibly be traced to an insane and spontaneous act—an over-taxation of nature—many months previously.

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

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading DURING my career as a gardener I became very unwell.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Another cause of my serious and probably life-long illness may possibly be traced to an insane and spontaneous act—an over-taxation of nature—many months previously.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

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

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

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

From this reading Another cause of my serious and probably life-long illness may possibly be traced to an insane and spontaneous act—an over-taxation of nature—many months previously.

Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in success. (Sự kiên trì, bền bỉ không bỏ cuộc.)

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

by chance

From this reading Another cause of my serious and probably life-long illness may possibly be traced to an insane and spontaneous act—an over-taxation of nature—many months previously.

past form of “prevail” — be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

at an earlier time or formerly

From this reading Another cause of my serious and probably life-long illness may possibly be traced to an insane and spontaneous act—an over-taxation of nature—many months previously.

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

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading Another cause of my serious and probably life-long illness may possibly be traced to an insane and spontaneous act—an over-taxation of nature—many months previously.

plural of “proportion” — the quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

happening again (especially at regular intervals)

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

the act of decreasing or reducing something

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

giving satisfaction

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading Another cause of my serious and probably life-long illness may possibly be traced to an insane and spontaneous act—an over-taxation of nature—many months previously.

comparative of “slim” — being of delicate or slender build

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

happening or arising without apparent external cause

From this reading Another cause of my serious and probably life-long illness may possibly be traced to an insane and spontaneous act—an over-taxation of nature—many months previously.

not in physical motion

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

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

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

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

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

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

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

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

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

past form of “trace” — follow, discover, or ascertain the course of development of something

From this reading Another cause of my serious and probably life-long illness may possibly be traced to an insane and spontaneous act—an over-taxation of nature—many months previously.

the part of the Earth's surface between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn; characterized by a hot climate

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.

somewhat ill or prone to illness

From this reading DURING my career as a gardener I became very unwell.

feelings of excessive pride

From this reading Many indications convinced me I had found “my bearings,” and common sense ought to have suggested, _enough_; but vanity prevailed, and perseverance attained the further desired reduction, though at a more serious price than I had contemplated.

precisely as stated

From this reading DURING my career as a gardener I became very unwell.

the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

in the company of; together with

From this reading I had fined down in the ordinary course of events to the weight and bulk (according to my theory) that nature clearly intended; but not content with this satisfactory result, I determined to attain still slimmer proportions.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading I attribute this in a measure to a recurrence of a malady contracted in the tropics, and a chill I caught from lying on damp grass in a draughty yard.