Chapter X

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

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading "AND SHE ALWAYS TRIED."

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

From this reading "AND SHE ALWAYS TRIED."

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

able to attract interest or draw favorable attention

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

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

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading OTHER business was transacted that morning which brought results.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading OTHER business was transacted that morning which brought results.

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

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

an occurrence of something

From this reading In any case, what harm will it do to try?"

past form of “chance” — be the case by chance

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading In any case, what harm will it do to try?"

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

an established custom

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.

From this reading In any case, what harm will it do to try?"

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

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

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

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

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

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

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

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

a message received and understood

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

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

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In any case, what harm will it do to try?"

and nothing more

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

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

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading OTHER business was transacted that morning which brought results.

used to form the superlative

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

not any; not one

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading OTHER business was transacted that morning which brought results.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

by chance

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

a human being

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

having a quality that thrusts itself into attention

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

plural of “result” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading OTHER business was transacted that morning which brought results.

United States biochemist (born in England) honored for his discovery that some genes contain introns (born in 1943)

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

possessive form of “roberts” — United States biochemist (born in England) honored for his discovery that some genes contain introns (born in 1943)

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

express in words

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "AND SHE ALWAYS TRIED."

with strength or in a strong manner

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

-ing form of “suppose” — express a supposition

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

characterized by order and planning

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading OTHER business was transacted that morning which brought results.

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

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

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

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

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

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

past form of “transact” — conduct business

From this reading OTHER business was transacted that morning which brought results.

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading "AND SHE ALWAYS TRIED."

make an effort or attempt

From this reading In any case, what harm will it do to try?"

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

From this reading OTHER business was transacted that morning which brought results.

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading In any case, what harm will it do to try?"

in or at the place that

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.

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

From this reading OTHER business was transacted that morning which brought results.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading In any case, what harm will it do to try?"

actively engaged in paid work

From this reading A curious habit of Mrs. Roberts's—one which, perhaps, most strongly marked the difference between her ways of working and those of other people—was that of appealing to the person at hand for information on any subject which chanced to be the one prominent in her mind at the time.

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

From this reading Where other and more systematic persons would have said, "He is not the one to ask about this matter; there is no reason for supposing that he has any knowledge in this direction," Mrs. Roberts would say, "I cannot be sure that he may not be able to give just the information which I need.