Chapter XVIII

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

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading He was inwardly angry with himself; he scolded himself for having accepted Nosdrieff's invitation, and thus uselessly losing his time.

plural of “addition” — a component that is added to something to improve it

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

later than; following

From this reading Tchichikoff remained after Nosdrieff's departure in the most unpleasant frame of mind.

of the greatest importance

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

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

From this reading He was inwardly angry with himself; he scolded himself for having accepted Nosdrieff's invitation, and thus uselessly losing his time.

feeling or showing anger

From this reading He was inwardly angry with himself; he scolded himself for having accepted Nosdrieff's invitation, and thus uselessly losing his time.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on

From this reading "I have made a regular ass of myself," said he to himself.

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

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

for the reason that

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

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

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

a young person of either sex

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

make a compromise; arrive at a compromise

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

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

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

the act of departing

From this reading Tchichikoff remained after Nosdrieff's departure in the most unpleasant frame of mind.

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

past form of “entrust” — confer a trust upon

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

a person who lacks good judgment

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He was inwardly angry with himself; he scolded himself for having accepted Nosdrieff's invitation, and thus uselessly losing his time.

enclose in or as if in a frame

From this reading Tchichikoff remained after Nosdrieff's departure in the most unpleasant frame of mind.

highest in quality

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

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

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "I have made a regular ass of myself," said he to himself.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading He was inwardly angry with himself; he scolded himself for having accepted Nosdrieff's invitation, and thus uselessly losing his time.

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

From this reading He was inwardly angry with himself; he scolded himself for having accepted Nosdrieff's invitation, and thus uselessly losing his time.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

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

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

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

From this reading He was inwardly angry with himself; he scolded himself for having accepted Nosdrieff's invitation, and thus uselessly losing his time.

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

From this reading He was inwardly angry with himself; he scolded himself for having accepted Nosdrieff's invitation, and thus uselessly losing his time.

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

From this reading "I have made a regular ass of myself," said he to himself.

in an imprudent manner

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

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

From this reading Tchichikoff remained after Nosdrieff's departure in the most unpleasant frame of mind.

a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading He was inwardly angry with himself; he scolded himself for having accepted Nosdrieff's invitation, and thus uselessly losing his time.

with respect to private feelings

From this reading He was inwardly angry with himself; he scolded himself for having accepted Nosdrieff's invitation, and thus uselessly losing his time.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

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

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

-ing form of “lose” — fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading He was inwardly angry with himself; he scolded himself for having accepted Nosdrieff's invitation, and thus uselessly losing his time.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading "I have made a regular ass of myself," said he to himself.

engage in

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Tchichikoff remained after Nosdrieff's departure in the most unpleasant frame of mind.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Tchichikoff remained after Nosdrieff's departure in the most unpleasant frame of mind.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading "I have made a regular ass of myself," said he to himself.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

not one and not the other of two

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading He spent a very sleepless night.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

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

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

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

From this reading Tchichikoff remained after Nosdrieff's departure in the most unpleasant frame of mind.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

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

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Tchichikoff remained after Nosdrieff's departure in the most unpleasant frame of mind.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle

From this reading "I have made a regular ass of myself," said he to himself.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading Tchichikoff remained after Nosdrieff's departure in the most unpleasant frame of mind.

precisely, exactly

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "I have made a regular ass of myself," said he to himself.

past form of “scold” — censure severely or angrily

From this reading He was inwardly angry with himself; he scolded himself for having accepted Nosdrieff's invitation, and thus uselessly losing his time.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

experiencing or accompanied by sleeplessness

From this reading He spent a very sleepless night.

express in speech

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading He spent a very sleepless night.

distribute or disperse widely

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

plural of “story” — 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 But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

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

From this reading Tchichikoff remained after Nosdrieff's departure in the most unpleasant frame of mind.

express in words

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

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

From this reading Tchichikoff remained after Nosdrieff's departure in the most unpleasant frame of mind.

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

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading He was inwardly angry with himself; he scolded himself for having accepted Nosdrieff's invitation, and thus uselessly losing his time.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading He was inwardly angry with himself; he scolded himself for having accepted Nosdrieff's invitation, and thus uselessly losing his time.

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

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness

From this reading Tchichikoff remained after Nosdrieff's departure in the most unpleasant frame of mind.

in a useless manner

From this reading He was inwardly angry with himself; he scolded himself for having accepted Nosdrieff's invitation, and thus uselessly losing his time.

precisely as stated

From this reading He spent a very sleepless night.

troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

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

From this reading He was inwardly angry with himself; he scolded himself for having accepted Nosdrieff's invitation, and thus uselessly losing his time.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

used to ask for information about something

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

in the company of; together with

From this reading He was inwardly angry with himself; he scolded himself for having accepted Nosdrieff's invitation, and thus uselessly losing his time.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!

an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value

From this reading But what vexed him most was that he had imprudently begun to speak of his all-important object, like a child, like a fool; because this business was not of a nature to be entrusted to Nosdrieff--Nosdrieff, a man without any worth or sense; he could compromise him, he could tell stories, make additions, and spread, heaven knows what calumnies about, and thus place him in the greatest difficulties--it was neither right nor well!