Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading A CONFESSION AND ITS REPLY.

a positive feeling of liking

From this reading For many years his mother had been the one object upon which he had lavished the deep, strong affection of his manly nature.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

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

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

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

From this reading A CONFESSION AND ITS REPLY.

someone who creates plans to be used in making something (such as buildings)

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

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

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

a will to succeed

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

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

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading For many years his mother had been the one object upon which he had lavished the deep, strong affection of his manly nature.

exhale hard

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

state capital and largest city of Massachusetts; a major center for banking and financial services

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

in a courageous manner

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

plural of “capability” — the quality of being capable -- physically or intellectually or legally

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

an admission of misdeeds or faults

From this reading A CONFESSION AND ITS REPLY.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading For many years his mother had been the one object upon which he had lavished the deep, strong affection of his manly nature.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For many years his mother had been the one object upon which he had lavished the deep, strong affection of his manly nature.

set up or found

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

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

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

marked with or divided into degrees

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

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

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

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

From this reading For many years his mother had been the one object upon which he had lavished the deep, strong affection of his manly nature.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

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

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

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

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

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

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading A CONFESSION AND ITS REPLY.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

a boy or man

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

past form of “lavish” — expend profusely; also used with abstract nouns

From this reading For many years his mother had been the one object upon which he had lavished the deep, strong affection of his manly nature.

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 By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

lacking companions or companionship

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

possessing qualities befitting a man

From this reading For many years his mother had been the one object upon which he had lavished the deep, strong affection of his manly nature.

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 For many years his mother had been the one object upon which he had lavished the deep, strong affection of his manly nature.

a state in New England; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

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

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading For many years his mother had been the one object upon which he had lavished the deep, strong affection of his manly nature.

possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading For many years his mother had been the one object upon which he had lavished the deep, strong affection of his manly nature.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading For many years his mother had been the one object upon which he had lavished the deep, strong affection of his manly nature.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading For many years his mother had been the one object upon which he had lavished the deep, strong affection of his manly nature.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

-ing form of “possess” — have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

part with a possession or right

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

From this reading A CONFESSION AND ITS REPLY.

United States architect (1838-1886)

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

an educational institution

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

being of delicate or slender build

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading For many years his mother had been the one object upon which he had lavished the deep, strong affection of his manly nature.

past form of “struggle” — make a strenuous or labored effort

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

the activity of providing for or maintaining by supplying with money or necessities

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

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

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

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

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

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

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

precisely as stated

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

Scottish insurgent who led the resistance to Edward I; in 1297 he gained control of Scotland briefly until Edward invaded Scotland again and defeated Wallace and subsequently executed him (1270-1305)

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

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

From this reading Wallace, in his lonely home, was of course very sad and almost stunned by the blow that had fallen upon him so suddenly.

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

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

at the time that

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.

in or at the place that

From this reading By the time, however, that he graduated from the high school in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they were living at that time, their slender means gave out, and Wallace found that he must relinquish, at least, for the present, his aspiration to perfect himself as an architect, and do something for his own and his mother's support.

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

From this reading For many years his mother had been the one object upon which he had lavished the deep, strong affection of his manly nature.

a late time of life

From this reading For many years his mother had been the one object upon which he had lavished the deep, strong affection of his manly nature.

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading He had lost his father when but a youth, but Mrs. Richardson had struggled bravely to keep him at school, and give him as good an education as possible, for he was a lad possessing more than ordinary capabilities and attainments.