Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

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

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

(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 THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

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

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

a diplomat of the highest rank; accredited as representative from one country to another

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

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

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

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

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

third-person singular of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

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

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

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

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

a series of things depending on each other as if linked together

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

get or gather together

From this reading It was not a very exalted note on which to pitch the conversation, but it had the merit of giving each of them a little more time to collect themselves.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading It was not a very exalted note on which to pitch the conversation, but it had the merit of giving each of them a little more time to collect themselves.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

plural of “emotion” — any strong feeling

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style

From this reading It was not a very exalted note on which to pitch the conversation, but it had the merit of giving each of them a little more time to collect themselves.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

the organ of sight

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

the act of giving

From this reading It was not a very exalted note on which to pitch the conversation, but it had the merit of giving each of them a little more time to collect themselves.

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

From this reading It was not a very exalted note on which to pitch the conversation, but it had the merit of giving each of them a little more time to collect themselves.

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

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

an expression of greeting

From this reading "Hullo!" said Wally.

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

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

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

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

incapable of being explained or accounted for

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

the amount of energy transmitted (as by acoustic or electromagnetic radiation)

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

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

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

not close together in time

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was not a very exalted note on which to pitch the conversation, but it had the merit of giving each of them a little more time to collect themselves.

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

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

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

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

capable of or reflecting the capability for correct and valid reasoning

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

any admirable quality or attribute

From this reading It was not a very exalted note on which to pitch the conversation, but it had the merit of giving each of them a little more time to collect themselves.

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

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

a change of position that does not entail a change of location

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

a brief written record

From this reading It was not a very exalted note on which to pitch the conversation, but it had the merit of giving each of them a little more time to collect themselves.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was not a very exalted note on which to pitch the conversation, but it had the merit of giving each of them a little more time to collect themselves.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration

From this reading It was not a very exalted note on which to pitch the conversation, but it had the merit of giving each of them a little more time to collect themselves.

subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

done or occurring in a brief period of time

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

-ing form of “result” — issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Hullo!" said Wally.

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

plural of “shock” — the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

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

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

at the same instant

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

just below the level of consciousness

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

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

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading It was not a very exalted note on which to pitch the conversation, but it had the merit of giving each of them a little more time to collect themselves.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading It was not a very exalted note on which to pitch the conversation, but it had the merit of giving each of them a little more time to collect themselves.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

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

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading It was not a very exalted note on which to pitch the conversation, but it had the merit of giving each of them a little more time to collect themselves.

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

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

add up in number or quantity

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

marked by diversity or difference

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

precisely as stated

From this reading It was not a very exalted note on which to pitch the conversation, but it had the merit of giving each of them a little more time to collect themselves.

a silly and inept person; someone who is regarded as stupid

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

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

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

at the time that

From this reading THE AMBASSADOR ARRIVES I In these days of rapid movement, when existence has become little more than a series of shocks of varying intensity, astonishment is the shortest-lived of all the emotions.

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

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.

in the company of; together with

From this reading There was an instant in which Jill looked at Wally and Wally at Jill with the eye of total amazement, and then, almost simultaneously, each began--the process was subconscious--to regard this meeting not as an isolated and inexplicable event, but as something resulting from a perfectly logical chain of circumstances.