Chapter III

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

From this reading A HOUSE, PLANS, AND SPECIFICATIONS.

the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

deserving of the highest esteem or admiration

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

later than; following

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

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

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

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

From this reading A HOUSE, PLANS, AND SPECIFICATIONS.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

an architectural product or work

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

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

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

the thing arranged or agreed to

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

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

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

a substance added to soaps or detergents to increase their cleansing action

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading Of course, therefore, the first thing to do toward building my intended house was to prepare the plans.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

plural of “chimney” — a vertical flue that provides a path through which smoke from a fire is carried away through the wall or roof of a building

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

make right or correct

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Of course, therefore, the first thing to do toward building my intended house was to prepare the plans.

come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

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

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

an established custom

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

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

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

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

From this reading A HOUSE, PLANS, AND SPECIFICATIONS.

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

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

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

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

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

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

not suited to your comfort, purpose or needs

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading Of course, therefore, the first thing to do toward building my intended house was to prepare the plans.

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

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

a room equipped for preparing meals

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

the act of putting something in a certain place

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

attach a tag or label to

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

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

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

not any; not one

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

not divisible by two

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

inflected form of “omit” — prevent from being included or considered or accepted

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

and nothing more

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

plural of “partition” — a vertical structure that divides or separates (as a wall divides one room from another)

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading A HOUSE, PLANS, AND SPECIFICATIONS.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

concerned with actual use or practice

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc

From this reading Of course, therefore, the first thing to do toward building my intended house was to prepare the plans.

a feeling of self-respect and personal worth

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

plural of “production” — the act or process of producing something

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

unusual or striking

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

an elaborate and systematic plan of action

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

with respect to science; in a scientific way

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

plural of “specification” — a detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work

From this reading A HOUSE, PLANS, AND SPECIFICATIONS.

a flight of stairs or a flight of steps

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

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

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

in or at that place or location

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Of course, therefore, the first thing to do toward building my intended house was to prepare the plans.

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

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

a special situation

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

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

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

in the direction of

From this reading Of course, therefore, the first thing to do toward building my intended house was to prepare the plans.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

lacking symmetry

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

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

From this reading Of course, therefore, the first thing to do toward building my intended house was to prepare the plans.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

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

From this reading If there is any one thing on which I do pride myself more than another, it is my ability to plan and lay out a house.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading To be sure, chimneys have an inconvenient habit of coming up through windows, and windows of getting in the way of partitions, or locating themselves in odd and unsymmetrical places; sometimes the only passage from the kitchen to the front door, after my plan is completed, will turn out to be through every room on the first floor, and occasionally the stairs will be omitted; but these are matters for the practical builder to correct--the great point is to mark out the general scheme scientifically.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading No matter how remarkable the shape of the lot may be, I can always devise an admirable arrangement; and if architecture, not law, had been my fate, the public would have been surprised at my productions.