Chapter XII · Chapter 12

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

From this reading A TRICK ON THE GOVERNESS.

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

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

a proposal for an appropriate course of action

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

(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 He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

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

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

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

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

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

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

with boldness, in a bold manner

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

a youthful male person

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

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

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

at any time

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

a woman entrusted with the care and supervision of a child (especially in a private home)

From this reading A TRICK ON THE GOVERNESS.

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

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

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

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

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

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

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

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

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

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

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

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

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

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

plural of “holiday” — leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

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

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

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

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

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

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

attach a tag or label to

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

used to form the superlative

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

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

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

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

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

many times at short intervals

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A TRICK ON THE GOVERNESS.

and nothing more

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

in an open way

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

above and across; more than

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

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

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

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

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

a full supply

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

a feeling of self-respect and personal worth

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

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

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

having or caused by an irregular surface

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

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

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

plural of “storm” — a violent weather condition with winds 64-72 knots (11 on the Beaufort scale) and precipitation and thunder and lightning

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

plural of “struggle” — an energetic attempt to achieve something

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

a sudden outburst of anger

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

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

From this reading A TRICK ON THE GOVERNESS.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

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

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

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

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

plural of “trial” — the act of testing something

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

a cunning or deceitful action or device

From this reading A TRICK ON THE GOVERNESS.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

lacking or indicating lack of confidence or assurance

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading He was the only boy Hetty had ever known, and she thought him delightful; though like most boys he would be a little rough sometimes, and would expect her to be able to do all that he could do, and to understand all that he talked about.

a successful ending of a struggle or contest

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

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

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The pleasantest days had been those when Mark Enderby, brother of Phyllis and Nell, was at home for his holidays, for he always took Hetty's part, not in an uncertain way like Nell's, but boldly and openly, and often with the most successful results.

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

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

at the time that

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

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

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

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

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.

a late time of life

From this reading Two years passed over Hetty's head, during which she had plenty of storms and struggles, with times of peace coming in between.

but in spite of that

From this reading There were days when, but for Mrs. Kane's good advice, she would have run away to escape from her trials; and yet she had known some happy hours too, and had gained many a little victory over her temper and her pride.