Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

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

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

eagerly desirous

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

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

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

move or strike with a noise

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

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

From this reading "Come in here before you go up to dress."

plural of “conclusion” — a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

make a crushing noise

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading (Mrs. Stimpson insisted on his dressing for dinner.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

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

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

put on clothes

From this reading "Come in here before you go up to dress."

savory dressings for salads; basically of two kinds: either the thin French or vinaigrette type or the creamy mayonnaise type

From this reading (Mrs. Stimpson insisted on his dressing for dinner.

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "I want to speak to you for a moment, Sidney," she said, opening the drawing-room door.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

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

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

a movable barrier in a fence or wall

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading "Come in here before you go up to dress."

rock fragments and pebbles

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

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

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

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

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

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

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

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

From this reading "Come in here before you go up to dress."

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

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

a married man; a woman's partner in marriage

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

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

From this reading "I want to speak to you for a moment, Sidney," she said, opening the drawing-room door.

transmit (knowledge or skills)

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

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

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

having much knowledge or education

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge

From this reading (Mrs. Stimpson insisted on his dressing for dinner.

plural of “lamp” — an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

set afire or burning

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

a particular point in time

From this reading "I want to speak to you for a moment, Sidney," she said, opening the drawing-room door.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

held or filled or in use

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

communicate vividly

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

make a low noise

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

(American football) an attempt to advance the ball by running into the line

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "I want to speak to you for a moment, Sidney," she said, opening the drawing-room door.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

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

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

English poet (1554-1586)

From this reading "I want to speak to you for a moment, Sidney," she said, opening the drawing-room door.

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

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

in the near future

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

express in speech

From this reading "I want to speak to you for a moment, Sidney," she said, opening the drawing-room door.

a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

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

From this reading (Mrs. Stimpson insisted on his dressing for dinner.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

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

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

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

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

create by training and teaching

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading "Come in here before you go up to dress."

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading "I want to speak to you for a moment, Sidney," she said, opening the drawing-room door.

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

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

widely or fully known

From this reading Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informed her that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now she heard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step on the gravel, and the opening of the hall door.

in or at the place that

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

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

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

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

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

in the company of; together with

From this reading RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where the curtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with a project which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as he returned.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "I want to speak to you for a moment, Sidney," she said, opening the drawing-room door.