Chapter XXVI · Chapter 26

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

From this reading One morning he was told that a gentleman had asked for him, and been shown into the dining-room.

an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

changed in form or character without becoming something else

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

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

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

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

From this reading One morning he was told that a gentleman had asked for him, and been shown into the dining-room.

subject to appointment

From this reading Descending, he saw the tall slender figure of Bateman, now a clergyman, and lately appointed curate of a neighbouring parish.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading One morning he was told that a gentleman had asked for him, and been shown into the dining-room.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

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

From this reading Descending, he saw the tall slender figure of Bateman, now a clergyman, and lately appointed curate of a neighbouring parish.

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

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

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

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading One morning he was told that a gentleman had asked for him, and been shown into the dining-room.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

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

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

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

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

rid of obstructions

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church

From this reading Descending, he saw the tall slender figure of Bateman, now a clergyman, and lately appointed curate of a neighbouring parish.

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

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

-ing form of “compliment” — say something to someone that expresses praise

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

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

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

a person authorized to conduct religious worship

From this reading Descending, he saw the tall slender figure of Bateman, now a clergyman, and lately appointed curate of a neighbouring parish.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

coming down or downward

From this reading Descending, he saw the tall slender figure of Bateman, now a clergyman, and lately appointed curate of a neighbouring parish.

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

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

have supper; eat dinner

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

a room used for dining

From this reading One morning he was told that a gentleman had asked for him, and been shown into the dining-room.

move gently or carefully

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading Descending, he saw the tall slender figure of Bateman, now a clergyman, and lately appointed curate of a neighbouring parish.

a trodden path

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading One morning he was told that a gentleman had asked for him, and been shown into the dining-room.

a man of refinement

From this reading One morning he was told that a gentleman had asked for him, and been shown into the dining-room.

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

From this reading One morning he was told that a gentleman had asked for him, and been shown into the dining-room.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

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

From this reading One morning he was told that a gentleman had asked for him, and been shown into the dining-room.

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

From this reading One morning he was told that a gentleman had asked for him, and been shown into the dining-room.

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

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

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

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

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

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading One morning he was told that a gentleman had asked for him, and been shown into the dining-room.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

in the recent past

From this reading Descending, he saw the tall slender figure of Bateman, now a clergyman, and lately appointed curate of a neighbouring parish.

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

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

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

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

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

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading One morning he was told that a gentleman had asked for him, and been shown into the dining-room.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

an ornamental white cravat

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

-ing form of “neighbour” — live or be located as a neighbor

From this reading Descending, he saw the tall slender figure of Bateman, now a clergyman, and lately appointed curate of a neighbouring parish.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

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

From this reading Descending, he saw the tall slender figure of Bateman, now a clergyman, and lately appointed curate of a neighbouring parish.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Descending, he saw the tall slender figure of Bateman, now a clergyman, and lately appointed curate of a neighbouring parish.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One morning he was told that a gentleman had asked for him, and been shown into the dining-room.

a local church community

From this reading Descending, he saw the tall slender figure of Bateman, now a clergyman, and lately appointed curate of a neighbouring parish.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

past form of “precipitate” — bring about abruptly

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

cut with a saw

From this reading Descending, he saw the tall slender figure of Bateman, now a clergyman, and lately appointed curate of a neighbouring parish.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading One morning he was told that a gentleman had asked for him, and been shown into the dining-room.

the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

being of delicate or slender build

From this reading Descending, he saw the tall slender figure of Bateman, now a clergyman, and lately appointed curate of a neighbouring parish.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

in some unspecified way or manner; or by some unspecified means

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

in the near future

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading Descending, he saw the tall slender figure of Bateman, now a clergyman, and lately appointed curate of a neighbouring parish.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading One morning he was told that a gentleman had asked for him, and been shown into the dining-room.

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

From this reading One morning he was told that a gentleman had asked for him, and been shown into the dining-room.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

in or at that place or location

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

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

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading One morning he was told that a gentleman had asked for him, and been shown into the dining-room.

the act of testing something

From this reading If so, the trial was on the point of beginning, for Charles said instantly that he must come and see his mother, and of course meant to dine with them; the sky was clear, and there was an excellent footpath between Boughton and Melford.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading Bateman's manner certainly was altered; it might be the accident of the day, but he did not seem quite at his ease; it might be that he was in a strange house, and was likely soon to be precipitated into the company of ladies, to which he had never been used.

precisely as stated

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

in a hearty manner

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

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

From this reading One morning he was told that a gentleman had asked for him, and been shown into the dining-room.

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

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

a Caucasian

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading Charles had not seen him for a year and a half, and shook hands with him very warmly, complimenting him on his white neckcloth, which somehow, he said, altered him more than he could have expected.