Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading He played some of the finest passages of a recent and beautiful oratorio, until Julian almost forgot his troubles, and was ready to talk with more freedom and in a kindlier mood.

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

From this reading He played some of the finest passages of a recent and beautiful oratorio, until Julian almost forgot his troubles, and was ready to talk with more freedom and in a kindlier mood.

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

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading "Yes, I shall," answered Julian.

-ing form of “arouse” — call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

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

From this reading "You surely won't want the whip now," said De Vayne in some dismay, as Julian picked it up on saying good-night.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading He played some of the finest passages of a recent and beautiful oratorio, until Julian almost forgot his troubles, and was ready to talk with more freedom and in a kindlier mood.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

past form of “detain” — deprive of freedom; take into confinement

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

the feeling of despair in the face of obstacles

From this reading "You surely won't want the whip now," said De Vayne in some dismay, as Julian picked it up on saying good-night.

plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

intense or sharp

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

superlative of “fine” — being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading He played some of the finest passages of a recent and beautiful oratorio, until Julian almost forgot his troubles, and was ready to talk with more freedom and in a kindlier mood.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

inflected form of “forget” — dismiss from the mind; stop remembering

From this reading He played some of the finest passages of a recent and beautiful oratorio, until Julian almost forgot his troubles, and was ready to talk with more freedom and in a kindlier mood.

the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints

From this reading He played some of the finest passages of a recent and beautiful oratorio, until Julian almost forgot his troubles, and was ready to talk with more freedom and in a kindlier mood.

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

From this reading "You surely won't want the whip now," said De Vayne in some dismay, as Julian picked it up on saying good-night.

a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

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

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

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

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

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

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

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

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

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

From this reading "Yes, I shall," answered Julian.

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

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

marked by a lack of interest

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "You surely won't want the whip now," said De Vayne in some dismay, as Julian picked it up on saying good-night.

Roman Emperor and nephew of Constantine; he restored paganism as the official religion of the Roman Empire and destroyed Christian temples but his decision was reversed after his death (331?-363)

From this reading He played some of the finest passages of a recent and beautiful oratorio, until Julian almost forgot his troubles, and was ready to talk with more freedom and in a kindlier mood.

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

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

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

From this reading He played some of the finest passages of a recent and beautiful oratorio, until Julian almost forgot his troubles, and was ready to talk with more freedom and in a kindlier mood.

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading He played some of the finest passages of a recent and beautiful oratorio, until Julian almost forgot his troubles, and was ready to talk with more freedom and in a kindlier mood.

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

From this reading He played some of the finest passages of a recent and beautiful oratorio, until Julian almost forgot his troubles, and was ready to talk with more freedom and in a kindlier mood.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

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

From this reading "You surely won't want the whip now," said De Vayne in some dismay, as Julian picked it up on saying good-night.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He played some of the finest passages of a recent and beautiful oratorio, until Julian almost forgot his troubles, and was ready to talk with more freedom and in a kindlier mood.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text

From this reading He played some of the finest passages of a recent and beautiful oratorio, until Julian almost forgot his troubles, and was ready to talk with more freedom and in a kindlier mood.

plural of “passage” — the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading He played some of the finest passages of a recent and beautiful oratorio, until Julian almost forgot his troubles, and was ready to talk with more freedom and in a kindlier mood.

a strong feeling or emotion

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

past form of “persuade” — win approval or support for

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group

From this reading "You surely won't want the whip now," said De Vayne in some dismay, as Julian picked it up on saying good-night.

(of games) engaged in

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

the act of pressing; the exertion of pressure

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading He played some of the finest passages of a recent and beautiful oratorio, until Julian almost forgot his troubles, and was ready to talk with more freedom and in a kindlier mood.

new

From this reading He played some of the finest passages of a recent and beautiful oratorio, until Julian almost forgot his troubles, and was ready to talk with more freedom and in a kindlier mood.

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

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

past form of “reward” — bestow honor or rewards upon

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

capable of arousing enthusiasm or excitement

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "You surely won't want the whip now," said De Vayne in some dismay, as Julian picked it up on saying good-night.

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading "You surely won't want the whip now," said De Vayne in some dismay, as Julian picked it up on saying good-night.

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading "Yes, I shall," answered Julian.

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

From this reading He played some of the finest passages of a recent and beautiful oratorio, until Julian almost forgot his troubles, and was ready to talk with more freedom and in a kindlier mood.

plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading "You surely won't want the whip now," said De Vayne in some dismay, as Julian picked it up on saying good-night.

consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offense

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

an exchange of ideas via conversation

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

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

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

up to a particular time

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

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

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

plural of “trouble” — a source of difficulty

From this reading He played some of the finest passages of a recent and beautiful oratorio, until Julian almost forgot his troubles, and was ready to talk with more freedom and in a kindlier mood.

the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

disregarding your own advantages and welfare over those of others

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

up to a particular time

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

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

From this reading "You surely won't want the whip now," said De Vayne in some dismay, as Julian picked it up on saying good-night.

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

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

(in various countries) a son or younger brother or a count

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading "You surely won't want the whip now," said De Vayne in some dismay, as Julian picked it up on saying good-night.

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

From this reading Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

(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 Lord De Vayne played well on the piano, and knowing Julian's passion for music, was rewarded for his unselfish efforts by complete success in rousing his attention.

beat severely with a whip or rod

From this reading "You surely won't want the whip now," said De Vayne in some dismay, as Julian picked it up on saying good-night.

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

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.

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

From this reading "You surely won't want the whip now," said De Vayne in some dismay, as Julian picked it up on saying good-night.

an affirmative

From this reading "Yes, I shall," answered Julian.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "You surely won't want the whip now," said De Vayne in some dismay, as Julian picked it up on saying good-night.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Wiling away the time with exquisite tact--talking to him without pressing him to talk much in reply--turning his thoughts to indifferent subjects, until he had succeeded in arousing his interest--the young viscount detained his guest till evening, and then persuaded him to have tea.