Chapter I

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

From this reading I know no reason why I should begin my story of the fortunes of the Harleys by a description of my own son.

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

From this reading This story is not in the least about my boy, and, in consequence, it is quite an unusual delight to be able to drag him in head and shoulders.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading This story is not in the least about my boy, and, in consequence, it is quite an unusual delight to be able to drag him in head and shoulders.

in addition

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

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

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

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

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

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

From this reading Women are not logical, as everybody knows.

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

From this reading Women are not logical, as everybody knows.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

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

From this reading This story is not in the least about my boy, and, in consequence, it is quite an unusual delight to be able to drag him in head and shoulders.

for the reason that

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading I know no reason why I should begin my story of the fortunes of the Harleys by a description of my own son.

a youthful male person

From this reading This story is not in the least about my boy, and, in consequence, it is quite an unusual delight to be able to drag him in head and shoulders.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading I know no reason why I should begin my story of the fortunes of the Harleys by a description of my own son.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading This story is not in the least about my boy, and, in consequence, it is quite an unusual delight to be able to drag him in head and shoulders.

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

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading This story is not in the least about my boy, and, in consequence, it is quite an unusual delight to be able to drag him in head and shoulders.

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

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

a statement that represents something in words

From this reading I know no reason why I should begin my story of the fortunes of the Harleys by a description of my own son.

the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

having made preparations

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

pull, as against a resistance

From this reading This story is not in the least about my boy, and, in consequence, it is quite an unusual delight to be able to drag him in head and shoulders.

every person

From this reading Women are not logical, as everybody knows.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading My son, then, is, at the present writing, exactly seven years old.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

plural of “fortune” — an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading I know no reason why I should begin my story of the fortunes of the Harleys by a description of my own son.

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

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

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

From this reading I know no reason why I should begin my story of the fortunes of the Harleys by a description of my own son.

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

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading This story is not in the least about my boy, and, in consequence, it is quite an unusual delight to be able to drag him in head and shoulders.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading This story is not in the least about my boy, and, in consequence, it is quite an unusual delight to be able to drag him in head and shoulders.

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

From this reading I know no reason why I should begin my story of the fortunes of the Harleys by a description of my own son.

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

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

cause to come to know personally

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

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

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

and nothing more

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading I know no reason why I should begin my story of the fortunes of the Harleys by a description of my own son.

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading Women are not logical, as everybody knows.

immediately past

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading This story is not in the least about my boy, and, in consequence, it is quite an unusual delight to be able to drag him in head and shoulders.

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

capable of or reflecting the capability for correct and valid reasoning

From this reading Women are not logical, as everybody knows.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I know no reason why I should begin my story of the fortunes of the Harleys by a description of my own son.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

not any; not one

From this reading I know no reason why I should begin my story of the fortunes of the Harleys by a description of my own son.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading This story is not in the least about my boy, and, in consequence, it is quite an unusual delight to be able to drag him in head and shoulders.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I know no reason why I should begin my story of the fortunes of the Harleys by a description of my own son.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading My son, then, is, at the present writing, exactly seven years old.

and nothing more

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading I know no reason why I should begin my story of the fortunes of the Harleys by a description of my own son.

by chance

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading My son, then, is, at the present writing, exactly seven years old.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading I know no reason why I should begin my story of the fortunes of the Harleys by a description of my own son.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading My son, then, is, at the present writing, exactly seven years old.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading I know no reason why I should begin my story of the fortunes of the Harleys by a description of my own son.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading This story is not in the least about my boy, and, in consequence, it is quite an unusual delight to be able to drag him in head and shoulders.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

a male human offspring

From this reading I know no reason why I should begin my story of the fortunes of the Harleys by a description of my own son.

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 I know no reason why I should begin my story of the fortunes of the Harleys by a description of my own son.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

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

From this reading I know no reason why I should begin my story of the fortunes of the Harleys by a description of my own son.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading My son, then, is, at the present writing, exactly seven years old.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

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

From this reading This story is not in the least about my boy, and, in consequence, it is quite an unusual delight to be able to drag him in head and shoulders.

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

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

not known

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading This story is not in the least about my boy, and, in consequence, it is quite an unusual delight to be able to drag him in head and shoulders.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Perhaps it is just because there is no reason whatever that I feel so much disposed to do it--also because the appearance of that son is the only difference that has come to my own life since last my unknown friends heard of me, and because there is quite an exhilaration in thinking that here is a new audience to whom I am at liberty to introduce the second Derwent Crofton.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading I know no reason why I should begin my story of the fortunes of the Harleys by a description of my own son.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Women are not logical, as everybody knows.

the act of creating written works

From this reading My son, then, is, at the present writing, exactly seven years old.

a late time of life

From this reading My son, then, is, at the present writing, exactly seven years old.