Chapter IV

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

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

Having no one else present.

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

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

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

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

From this reading He had married late, had been a widower for twenty-one years--since Tom’s birth--and had no other children.

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

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

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

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He had married late, had been a widower for twenty-one years--since Tom’s birth--and had no other children.

the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading He had married late, had been a widower for twenty-one years--since Tom’s birth--and had no other children.

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

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

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

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading He had married late, had been a widower for twenty-one years--since Tom’s birth--and had no other children.

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

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading He made, however, one exception in favour of Tom, for whom he had a considerable liking.

persuaded of; very sure

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

plural of “down” — soft fine feathers

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

a deliberate act of omission

From this reading He made, however, one exception in favour of Tom, for whom he had a considerable liking.

a feeling of favorable regard

From this reading He made, however, one exception in favour of Tom, for whom he had a considerable liking.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

set up or found

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

usually; as a rule

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

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

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

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

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

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

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

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

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

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

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading He made, however, one exception in favour of Tom, for whom he had a considerable liking.

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

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

enclosed in the same envelope or package

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

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

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

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

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading He had married late, had been a widower for twenty-one years--since Tom’s birth--and had no other children.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

a feeling of pleasure and enjoyment

From this reading He made, however, one exception in favour of Tom, for whom he had a considerable liking.

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

for more time

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading He made, however, one exception in favour of Tom, for whom he had a considerable liking.

the mansion of a lord or wealthy person

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

joined in matrimony

From this reading He had married late, had been a widower for twenty-one years--since Tom’s birth--and had no other children.

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

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

in your mind

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

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

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

not any; not one

From this reading He had married late, had been a widower for twenty-one years--since Tom’s birth--and had no other children.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He made, however, one exception in favour of Tom, for whom he had a considerable liking.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading He had married late, had been a widower for twenty-one years--since Tom’s birth--and had no other children.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

past form of “rent” — let for money

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

not often

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

exchange or deliver for money or its equivalent

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading He had married late, had been a widower for twenty-one years--since Tom’s birth--and had no other children.

being eight more than sixty

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

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

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

express a supposition

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

a county in southeastern England on the Thames

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

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

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

in or at that place or location

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

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

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

male cat

From this reading He made, however, one exception in favour of Tom, for whom he had a considerable liking.

possessive form of “tom” — male cat

From this reading He had married late, had been a widower for twenty-one years--since Tom’s birth--and had no other children.

the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty and one

From this reading He had married late, had been a widower for twenty-one years--since Tom’s birth--and had no other children.

displeasing to the senses

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

(law) the findings of a jury on issues of fact submitted to it for decision; can be used in formulating a judgment

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

precisely as stated

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

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

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

which person or people

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He made, however, one exception in favour of Tom, for whom he had a considerable liking.

a man whose wife is dead especially one who has not remarried

From this reading He had married late, had been a widower for twenty-one years--since Tom’s birth--and had no other children.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading He seldom spoke of his wife, so that we have no means of finding out whether he included her in the verdict he mentally passed on his friends, but there is no reason to suppose that he did not.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading His house, Applethorpe Manor, he rented from the owner, who was in straitened circumstances; he refused to buy it, for, as he said, he would probably not live much longer, and it was more than possible that Tom would not want to keep it, and would very likely sell it for much under its value.

a late time of life

From this reading Mr. Carlingford lived in an ugly but comfortable house among the broad-backed Surrey Downs, generally alone, for a life of sixty-eight years had convinced him that he found his own society less tedious than that of his friends.