Chapter XVIII

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

From this reading USES OF A TRANSPORT LORRY The Rutlands had a somewhat longer spell in billets than usual.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

distinctive manner of oral expression

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

tending to become more severe or wider in scope

From this reading Monsieur Obernai was very active in effort on their behalf.

a region of northeastern France famous for its wines

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

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

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

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

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of

From this reading They were awaiting a draft from the base to make good their losses.

installation from which a military force initiates operations

From this reading They were awaiting a draft from the base to make good their losses.

filled with wonder and delight

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

as the agent of or on someone's part (usually expressed as “on behalf of” rather than “in behalf of”)

From this reading Monsieur Obernai was very active in effort on their behalf.

plural of “billet” — a short personal letter

From this reading USES OF A TRANSPORT LORRY The Rutlands had a somewhat longer spell in billets than usual.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

plural of “cigarette” — finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

plural of “concert” — a performance of music by players or singers not involving theatrical staging

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

unvarying in nature

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

-ing form of “converse” — carry on a conversation

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

a document ordering the payment of money; drawn by one person or bank on another

From this reading They were awaiting a draft from the base to make good their losses.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Monsieur Obernai was very active in effort on their behalf.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

plural of “experience” — the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

in a free manner

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

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

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading They were awaiting a draft from the base to make good their losses.

plural of “game” — a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

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

From this reading They were awaiting a draft from the base to make good their losses.

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

From this reading USES OF A TRANSPORT LORRY The Rutlands had a somewhat longer spell in billets than usual.

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

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

an extemporaneous speech or remark

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

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

From this reading USES OF A TRANSPORT LORRY The Rutlands had a somewhat longer spell in billets than usual.

the state of being inactive

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

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

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

showing or characterized by broad-mindedness

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

for more time

From this reading USES OF A TRANSPORT LORRY The Rutlands had a somewhat longer spell in billets than usual.

a large low horse-drawn wagon without sides

From this reading USES OF A TRANSPORT LORRY The Rutlands had a somewhat longer spell in billets than usual.

something lost (especially money lost at gambling)

From this reading They were awaiting a draft from the base to make good their losses.

engage in

From this reading They were awaiting a draft from the base to make good their losses.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

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

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

the force of workers available

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

involving the mind or an intellectual process

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

used as a French courtesy title; equivalent to English “Mr”

From this reading Monsieur Obernai was very active in effort on their behalf.

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

From this reading Monsieur Obernai was very active in effort on their behalf.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading USES OF A TRANSPORT LORRY The Rutlands had a somewhat longer spell in billets than usual.

plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Monsieur Obernai was very active in effort on their behalf.

and nothing more

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

plural of “present” — the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

plural of “reminiscence” — a mental impression retained and recalled from the past

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

the activities involved in selling commodities directly to consumers

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

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

From this reading USES OF A TRANSPORT LORRY The Rutlands had a somewhat longer spell in billets than usual.

the act of smoking tobacco or other substances

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading USES OF A TRANSPORT LORRY The Rutlands had a somewhat longer spell in billets than usual.

the utterance of intelligible speech

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

orally recite the letters of or give the spelling of

From this reading USES OF A TRANSPORT LORRY The Rutlands had a somewhat longer spell in billets than usual.

(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

the feeling of being bored by something tedious

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading USES OF A TRANSPORT LORRY The Rutlands had a somewhat longer spell in billets than usual.

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

From this reading USES OF A TRANSPORT LORRY The Rutlands had a somewhat longer spell in billets than usual.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They were awaiting a draft from the base to make good their losses.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They were awaiting a draft from the base to make good their losses.

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

From this reading They were awaiting a draft from the base to make good their losses.

a just detectable amount

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

something that serves as a means of transportation

From this reading USES OF A TRANSPORT LORRY The Rutlands had a somewhat longer spell in billets than usual.

plural of “use” — the act of using

From this reading USES OF A TRANSPORT LORRY The Rutlands had a somewhat longer spell in billets than usual.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading USES OF A TRANSPORT LORRY The Rutlands had a somewhat longer spell in billets than usual.

precisely as stated

From this reading Monsieur Obernai was very active in effort on their behalf.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

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

From this reading Monsieur Obernai was very active in effort on their behalf.

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

From this reading Speaking English with only a trace of foreign accent, he went freely about among the men, conversing with them about their experiences, retailing reminiscences of Alsace, making liberal presents of cigarettes.

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

From this reading They were awaiting a draft from the base to make good their losses.

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

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The officers and kind friends at home had provided books and games as a relief from the constant mental strain to which modern warfare subjects a man, and with these and impromptu smoking concerts they beguiled the tedium of inaction.