Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

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

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

past form of “act” — perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading Even had not the chauffeur's presence acted as a restraint, none of the party would have had the heart to make perfunctory conversation; the tragedy of the moment had touched them too deeply.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

Having no one else present.

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading As the motor purred its way along, there was little conversation.

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

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

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

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

disposed or placed in a particular kind of order

From this reading Therefore they did not press their visitors to remain and tactfully arranged that one of the servants instead of Roger should drive the Spences back over the Harbor Road.

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

From this reading As the motor purred its way along, there was little conversation.

unskillfulness resulting from a lack of training

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Therefore they did not press their visitors to remain and tactfully arranged that one of the servants instead of Roger should drive the Spences back over the Harbor Road.

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

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

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

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

exhale hard

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

possessive form of “chauffeur” — a man paid to drive a privately owned car

From this reading Even had not the chauffeur's presence acted as a restraint, none of the party would have had the heart to make perfunctory conversation; the tragedy of the moment had touched them too deeply.

the highest point of anything conceived of as growing or developing or unfolding

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading As the motor purred its way along, there was little conversation.

an intense desire for some particular thing

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

to a great depth psychologically or emotionally

From this reading Even had not the chauffeur's presence acted as a restraint, none of the party would have had the heart to make perfunctory conversation; the tragedy of the moment had touched them too deeply.

the quality of being beautiful and delicate in appearance

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

third-person singular of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

operate or control a vehicle

From this reading Therefore they did not press their visitors to remain and tactfully arranged that one of the servants instead of Roger should drive the Spences back over the Harbor Road.

having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

divisible by two

From this reading Even had not the chauffeur's presence acted as a restraint, none of the party would have had the heart to make perfunctory conversation; the tragedy of the moment had touched them too deeply.

fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

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

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

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

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)

From this reading Therefore they did not press their visitors to remain and tactfully arranged that one of the servants instead of Roger should drive the Spences back over the Harbor Road.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Even had not the chauffeur's presence acted as a restraint, none of the party would have had the heart to make perfunctory conversation; the tragedy of the moment had touched them too deeply.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Even had not the chauffeur's presence acted as a restraint, none of the party would have had the heart to make perfunctory conversation; the tragedy of the moment had touched them too deeply.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

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

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading Therefore they did not press their visitors to remain and tactfully arranged that one of the servants instead of Roger should drive the Spences back over the Harbor Road.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading As the motor purred its way along, there was little conversation.

no longer active or practicing

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading As the motor purred its way along, there was little conversation.

engage in

From this reading Even had not the chauffeur's presence acted as a restraint, none of the party would have had the heart to make perfunctory conversation; the tragedy of the moment had touched them too deeply.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

a particular point in time

From this reading Even had not the chauffeur's presence acted as a restraint, none of the party would have had the heart to make perfunctory conversation; the tragedy of the moment had touched them too deeply.

machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion

From this reading As the motor purred its way along, there was little conversation.

not one, and not any

From this reading Even had not the chauffeur's presence acted as a restraint, none of the party would have had the heart to make perfunctory conversation; the tragedy of the moment had touched them too deeply.

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

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Therefore they did not press their visitors to remain and tactfully arranged that one of the servants instead of Roger should drive the Spences back over the Harbor Road.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

above and across; more than

From this reading Therefore they did not press their visitors to remain and tactfully arranged that one of the servants instead of Roger should drive the Spences back over the Harbor Road.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading Even had not the chauffeur's presence acted as a restraint, none of the party would have had the heart to make perfunctory conversation; the tragedy of the moment had touched them too deeply.

the representation of what is perceived; basic component in the formation of a concept

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough

From this reading Even had not the chauffeur's presence acted as a restraint, none of the party would have had the heart to make perfunctory conversation; the tragedy of the moment had touched them too deeply.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Even had not the chauffeur's presence acted as a restraint, none of the party would have had the heart to make perfunctory conversation; the tragedy of the moment had touched them too deeply.

exert pressure or force to or upon

From this reading Therefore they did not press their visitors to remain and tactfully arranged that one of the servants instead of Roger should drive the Spences back over the Harbor Road.

lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

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

From this reading As the motor purred its way along, there was little conversation.

adjust anew

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading Therefore they did not press their visitors to remain and tactfully arranged that one of the servants instead of Roger should drive the Spences back over the Harbor Road.

the act of controlling by restraining someone or something

From this reading Even had not the chauffeur's presence acted as a restraint, none of the party would have had the heart to make perfunctory conversation; the tragedy of the moment had touched them too deeply.

plural of “revelation” — the speech act of making something evident

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

possessing material wealth

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading Therefore they did not press their visitors to remain and tactfully arranged that one of the servants instead of Roger should drive the Spences back over the Harbor Road.

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

From this reading Therefore they did not press their visitors to remain and tactfully arranged that one of the servants instead of Roger should drive the Spences back over the Harbor Road.

plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading Therefore they did not press their visitors to remain and tactfully arranged that one of the servants instead of Roger should drive the Spences back over the Harbor Road.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Therefore they did not press their visitors to remain and tactfully arranged that one of the servants instead of Roger should drive the Spences back over the Harbor Road.

marked by correspondence or resemblance

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

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

From this reading Therefore they did not press their visitors to remain and tactfully arranged that one of the servants instead of Roger should drive the Spences back over the Harbor Road.

so remarkably different or sudden as to cause momentary shock or alarm

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

in a softened tone

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

the rays of the sun

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

showing tact or tactfulness; in a tactful manner

From this reading Therefore they did not press their visitors to remain and tactfully arranged that one of the servants instead of Roger should drive the Spences back over the Harbor Road.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

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

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Even had not the chauffeur's presence acted as a restraint, none of the party would have had the heart to make perfunctory conversation; the tragedy of the moment had touched them too deeply.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

in or at that place or location

From this reading As the motor purred its way along, there was little conversation.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Therefore they did not press their visitors to remain and tactfully arranged that one of the servants instead of Roger should drive the Spences back over the Harbor Road.

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

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

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

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

having come into contact

From this reading Even had not the chauffeur's presence acted as a restraint, none of the party would have had the heart to make perfunctory conversation; the tragedy of the moment had touched them too deeply.

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading Even had not the chauffeur's presence acted as a restraint, none of the party would have had the heart to make perfunctory conversation; the tragedy of the moment had touched them too deeply.

up to a particular time

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

plural of “visitor” — someone who visits

From this reading Therefore they did not press their visitors to remain and tactfully arranged that one of the servants instead of Roger should drive the Spences back over the Harbor Road.

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

From this reading ANOTHER BLOW DESCENDS The ride home from Belleport was a subdued one, bringing to an afternoon that had been rich in sunshine a climax of shadow.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading As the motor purred its way along, there was little conversation.

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

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

hope for; have a wish

From this reading The Galbraiths were far too stunned by the startling revelations of the day to wish to prolong a meeting that had lapsed into awkwardness, and until they had had opportunity to readjust themselves they were eager to be alone; nor did their delicacy of perception fail to detect a similar craving in the minds of their guests.

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

From this reading Even had not the chauffeur's presence acted as a restraint, none of the party would have had the heart to make perfunctory conversation; the tragedy of the moment had touched them too deeply.