Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

later than; following

From this reading IT was two hours after that scene before Maltravers left the house.

(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 He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

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

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

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

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading IT was two hours after that scene before Maltravers left the house.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

make calm or still

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

half asleep

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading * * * * "Is this the promised end?"--/Lear/.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

characterized by intense emotion

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading It was then just on the stroke of the first hour of morning.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

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

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

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

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

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

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

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

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading It was then just on the stroke of the first hour of morning.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading IT was two hours after that scene before Maltravers left the house.

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

From this reading IT was two hours after that scene before Maltravers left the house.

past form of “howl” — emit long loud cries

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

knowledge and intellectual ability

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

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

From this reading * * * * "Is this the promised end?"--/Lear/.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading IT was two hours after that scene before Maltravers left the house.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

and nothing more

From this reading It was then just on the stroke of the first hour of morning.

British artist and writer of nonsense verse (1812-1888)

From this reading * * * * "Is this the promised end?"--/Lear/.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading IT was two hours after that scene before Maltravers left the house.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

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

From this reading IT was two hours after that scene before Maltravers left the house.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading It was then just on the stroke of the first hour of morning.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was then just on the stroke of the first hour of morning.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was then just on the stroke of the first hour of morning.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

a course of conduct

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment

From this reading * * * * "Is this the promised end?"--/Lear/.

action taken in return for an injury or offense

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading IT was two hours after that scene before Maltravers left the house.

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

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

inflected form of “shrink” — wither, as with a loss of moisture

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

someone who walks about in their sleep

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

(sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand

From this reading It was then just on the stroke of the first hour of morning.

sustained or maintained by aid (as distinct from physical support)

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading IT was two hours after that scene before Maltravers left the house.

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

From this reading * * * * "Is this the promised end?"--/Lear/.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading It was then just on the stroke of the first hour of morning.

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

From this reading * * * * "Is this the promised end?"--/Lear/.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

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

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading IT was two hours after that scene before Maltravers left the house.

not conscious; lacking awareness and the capacity for sensory perception as if asleep or dead

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

marked by extreme intensity of emotions or convictions; inclined to react violently; fervid

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

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

From this reading IT was two hours after that scene before Maltravers left the house.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

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

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.

during the time that

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field

From this reading To him, while he walked through the streets, and the sharp winds howled on his path, it was as if a strange and wizard life had passed into and supported him--a sort of drowsy, dull existence.

but in spite of that

From this reading He was like a sleepwalker, unconscious of all around him; yet his steps went safe and free; and the one thought that possessed his being--into which all intellect seemed shrunk--the thought, not fiery nor vehement, but calm, stern, and solemn--the thought of revenge--seemed, as it were, grown his soul itself.