Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

(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 living-room in the Twillys' house was so damp that thick, soppy moss grew all over the walls.

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

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

carefully weighed

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

slightly wet

From this reading The living-room in the Twillys' house was so damp that thick, soppy moss grew all over the walls.

soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime

From this reading It dripped on the picture of Grandfather Twilly that hung over the melodeon, making streaks down the dirty glass like sweat on the old man's face.

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

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

inflected form of “drip” — fall in drops

From this reading It dripped on the picture of Grandfather Twilly that hung over the melodeon, making streaks down the dirty glass like sweat on the old man's face.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading If this school progresses, the following is what we may expect in our national literature in a year or so.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading It dripped on the picture of Grandfather Twilly that hung over the melodeon, making streaks down the dirty glass like sweat on the old man's face.

a social unit living together

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading If this school progresses, the following is what we may expect in our national literature in a year or so.

any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading It dripped on the picture of Grandfather Twilly that hung over the melodeon, making streaks down the dirty glass like sweat on the old man's face.

the father of your father or mother

From this reading It dripped on the picture of Grandfather Twilly that hung over the melodeon, making streaks down the dirty glass like sweat on the old man's face.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading The living-room in the Twillys' house was so damp that thick, soppy moss grew all over the walls.

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

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

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

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

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

From this reading The living-room in the Twillys' house was so damp that thick, soppy moss grew all over the walls.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading It dripped on the picture of Grandfather Twilly that hung over the melodeon, making streaks down the dirty glass like sweat on the old man's face.

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

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If this school progresses, the following is what we may expect in our national literature in a year or so.

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

From this reading If this school progresses, the following is what we may expect in our national literature in a year or so.

have as a part, be made up out of

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

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

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It dripped on the picture of Grandfather Twilly that hung over the melodeon, making streaks down the dirty glass like sweat on the old man's face.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading It dripped on the picture of Grandfather Twilly that hung over the melodeon, making streaks down the dirty glass like sweat on the old man's face.

creative writing of recognized artistic value

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

a room in a private house or establishment where people can sit and talk and relax

From this reading The living-room in the Twillys' house was so damp that thick, soppy moss grew all over the walls.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading It dripped on the picture of Grandfather Twilly that hung over the melodeon, making streaks down the dirty glass like sweat on the old man's face.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading It dripped on the picture of Grandfather Twilly that hung over the melodeon, making streaks down the dirty glass like sweat on the old man's face.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading If this school progresses, the following is what we may expect in our national literature in a year or so.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading It was a mean face.

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

From this reading It dripped on the picture of Grandfather Twilly that hung over the melodeon, making streaks down the dirty glass like sweat on the old man's face.

tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants

From this reading The living-room in the Twillys' house was so damp that thick, soppy moss grew all over the walls.

of or relating to or belonging to a nation or country

From this reading If this school progresses, the following is what we may expect in our national literature in a year or so.

representing what is real; not abstract or ideal

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

not any; not one

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It dripped on the picture of Grandfather Twilly that hung over the melodeon, making streaks down the dirty glass like sweat on the old man's face.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading If this school progresses, the following is what we may expect in our national literature in a year or so.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading If this school progresses, the following is what we may expect in our national literature in a year or so.

above and across; more than

From this reading The living-room in the Twillys' house was so damp that thick, soppy moss grew all over the walls.

a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading It dripped on the picture of Grandfather Twilly that hung over the melodeon, making streaks down the dirty glass like sweat on the old man's face.

plural of “progress” — gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading If this school progresses, the following is what we may expect in our national literature in a year or so.

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

someone who obtains pleasure from inflicting pain on others

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

an educational institution

From this reading If this school progresses, the following is what we may expect in our national literature in a year or so.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading If this school progresses, the following is what we may expect in our national literature in a year or so.

wet through and through; thoroughly wet

From this reading The living-room in the Twillys' house was so damp that thick, soppy moss grew all over the walls.

plural of “spill” — liquid that is spilled

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

plural of “streak” — an unbroken series of events

From this reading It dripped on the picture of Grandfather Twilly that hung over the melodeon, making streaks down the dirty glass like sweat on the old man's face.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

salty fluid secreted by sweat glands

From this reading It dripped on the picture of Grandfather Twilly that hung over the melodeon, making streaks down the dirty glass like sweat on the old man's face.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

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

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading The living-room in the Twillys' house was so damp that thick, soppy moss grew all over the walls.

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

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

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

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

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

From this reading It dripped on the picture of Grandfather Twilly that hung over the melodeon, making streaks down the dirty glass like sweat on the old man's face.

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

From this reading The living-room in the Twillys' house was so damp that thick, soppy moss grew all over the walls.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

provide with power and authority

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading The living-room in the Twillys' house was so damp that thick, soppy moss grew all over the walls.

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

From this reading The living-room in the Twillys' house was so damp that thick, soppy moss grew all over the walls.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading If this school progresses, the following is what we may expect in our national literature in a year or so.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading If this school progresses, the following is what we may expect in our national literature in a year or so.

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

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

which person or people

From this reading The naturalistic literature of this country has reached such a state that no family of characters is considered true to life which does not include at least two hypochondriacs, one sadist, and one old man who spills food down the front of his vest.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading If this school progresses, the following is what we may expect in our national literature in a year or so.