(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading We have only one thing more to tell about, and then the thread of our story will run smoothly.
Ackerman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Let us go back to George Ackerman, whom we left sitting on the porch in front of the rancho, mending his bridle and talking earnestly to himself.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading We have only one thing more to tell about, and then the thread of our story will run smoothly.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Let us go back to George Ackerman, whom we left sitting on the porch in front of the rancho, mending his bridle and talking earnestly to himself.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
bridlenounUS /ˈbraɪdəl/
headgear for a horse; includes a headstall and bit and reins to give the rider or driver control
From this reading Let us go back to George Ackerman, whom we left sitting on the porch in front of the rancho, mending his bridle and talking earnestly to himself.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
chaptersnounUS /ˈtʃæptərz/
plural of “chapter” — a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
rid of obstructions
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
represented in words especially with sharpness and detail
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
devoteverbUS /dɪˈvoʊt/
give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
doesn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The house doesn’t seem like home to me now.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
in a serious manner
From this reading Let us go back to George Ackerman, whom we left sitting on the porch in front of the rancho, mending his bridle and talking earnestly to himself.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading Let us go back to George Ackerman, whom we left sitting on the porch in front of the rancho, mending his bridle and talking earnestly to himself.
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading Let us go back to George Ackerman, whom we left sitting on the porch in front of the rancho, mending his bridle and talking earnestly to himself.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Let us go back to George Ackerman, whom we left sitting on the porch in front of the rancho, mending his bridle and talking earnestly to himself.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading We have only one thing more to tell about, and then the thread of our story will run smoothly.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Let us go back to George Ackerman, whom we left sitting on the porch in front of the rancho, mending his bridle and talking earnestly to himself.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Let us go back to George Ackerman, whom we left sitting on the porch in front of the rancho, mending his bridle and talking earnestly to himself.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading The house doesn’t seem like home to me now.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The house doesn’t seem like home to me now.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
incidentsnounUS /ˈɪnsədənts/
plural of “incident” — a single distinct event
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Let us go back to George Ackerman, whom we left sitting on the porch in front of the rancho, mending his bridle and talking earnestly to himself.
Letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Let us go back to George Ackerman, whom we left sitting on the porch in front of the rancho, mending his bridle and talking earnestly to himself.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The house doesn’t seem like home to me now.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
mendingnounUS /ˈmendɪŋ/
garments that must be repaired
From this reading Let us go back to George Ackerman, whom we left sitting on the porch in front of the rancho, mending his bridle and talking earnestly to himself.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading We have only one thing more to tell about, and then the thread of our story will run smoothly.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
absolutely essential
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
Ned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The house doesn’t seem like home to me now.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Let us go back to George Ackerman, whom we left sitting on the porch in front of the rancho, mending his bridle and talking earnestly to himself.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading We have only one thing more to tell about, and then the thread of our story will run smoothly.
and nothing more
From this reading We have only one thing more to tell about, and then the thread of our story will run smoothly.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
arrange in a container
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance
From this reading Let us go back to George Ackerman, whom we left sitting on the porch in front of the rancho, mending his bridle and talking earnestly to himself.
precedingadjectiveUS /priˈsiːdɪŋ/
existing or coming before
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
rancho
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Let us go back to George Ackerman, whom we left sitting on the porch in front of the rancho, mending his bridle and talking earnestly to himself.
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
recurring again and again
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading We have only one thing more to tell about, and then the thread of our story will run smoothly.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The house doesn’t seem like home to me now.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading Let us go back to George Ackerman, whom we left sitting on the porch in front of the rancho, mending his bridle and talking earnestly to himself.
smoothlyadverbUS /ˈsmuːðli/
with no problems or difficulties
From this reading We have only one thing more to tell about, and then the thread of our story will run smoothly.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
an exchange of ideas via conversation
From this reading Let us go back to George Ackerman, whom we left sitting on the porch in front of the rancho, mending his bridle and talking earnestly to himself.
express in words
From this reading We have only one thing more to tell about, and then the thread of our story will run smoothly.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading We have only one thing more to tell about, and then the thread of our story will run smoothly.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
a special situation
From this reading We have only one thing more to tell about, and then the thread of our story will run smoothly.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
threadverbUS /θred/
to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course
From this reading We have only one thing more to tell about, and then the thread of our story will run smoothly.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
understandinglyadverb
with understanding
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading All the incidents described in the preceding chapters happened before the beginning of our story; but it was necessary that we should devote some time to them in order that the reader might be able to follow us understandingly.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Let us go back to George Ackerman, whom we left sitting on the porch in front of the rancho, mending his bridle and talking earnestly to himself.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading We have only one thing more to tell about, and then the thread of our story will run smoothly.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading “Uncle John and Ned act as though they don’t want me here,” repeated George, “and I have the best notion in the world to pack up my few things and clear out.
