Chapter XXXVI · Mr. M’kinlay’s “Instructions.”

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

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

a state of great suffering and distress due to adversity

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

(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 tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

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

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

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

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

react verbally

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

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

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

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

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

past form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading Sir Gervais had very early observed that the young sailor possessed the characteristic reserve of his family, and avoided, whenever possible, all reference to himself.

relevant relation or interconnection

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

unhappy in love; suffering from unrequited love

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

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

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

eat an early morning meal

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading Sir Gervais had very early observed that the young sailor possessed the characteristic reserve of his family, and avoided, whenever possible, all reference to himself.

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

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

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

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

(behavioral attributes) the way a person behaves toward other people

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

characterized by great determination

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

take away a part from; diminish

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

feelings of ardent love

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

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

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

an inclination to withhold approval from some person or group

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

think moodily or anxiously about something

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading Sir Gervais had very early observed that the young sailor possessed the characteristic reserve of his family, and avoided, whenever possible, all reference to himself.

full of events or incidents

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

a social unit living together

From this reading Sir Gervais had very early observed that the young sailor possessed the characteristic reserve of his family, and avoided, whenever possible, all reference to himself.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

a feeling of favorable regard

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

a boy or man

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

the part of a scene that is near the viewer

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

being without friends

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

a seaport in northwestern Italy; provincial capital of Liguria

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

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

From this reading Sir Gervais had very early observed that the young sailor possessed the characteristic reserve of his family, and avoided, whenever possible, all reference to himself.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

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

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

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

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

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

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Sir Gervais had very early observed that the young sailor possessed the characteristic reserve of his family, and avoided, whenever possible, all reference to himself.

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

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

impairment of normal physiological function affecting part or all of an organism

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

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

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

to such an extent or degree; so

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

similar in quality or character

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

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

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

owning or consisting of land or real estate

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

immediately past

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

engage in

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

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

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

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

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

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

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

(of an infant) breast-fed

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading Sir Gervais had very early observed that the young sailor possessed the characteristic reserve of his family, and avoided, whenever possible, all reference to himself.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

on one occasion

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

without obstructions to passage or view

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

past form of “overwhelm” — overcome, as with emotions or perceptual stimuli

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

win approval or support for

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading Sir Gervais had very early observed that the young sailor possessed the characteristic reserve of his family, and avoided, whenever possible, all reference to himself.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading Sir Gervais had very early observed that the young sailor possessed the characteristic reserve of his family, and avoided, whenever possible, all reference to himself.

past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

established beyond doubt

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

past form of “question” — challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

gather

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

a remark that calls attention to something or someone

From this reading Sir Gervais had very early observed that the young sailor possessed the characteristic reserve of his family, and avoided, whenever possible, all reference to himself.

inflected form of “refer” — make reference to

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

a relation between people; (“relationship” is often used where “relation” would serve, as in `the relationship between inflation and unemployment', but the preferred usage of “relationship” is for human relations or states of relatedness)

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

formality and propriety of manner

From this reading Sir Gervais had very early observed that the young sailor possessed the characteristic reserve of his family, and avoided, whenever possible, all reference to himself.

emotions experienced when not in a state of well-being

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

any member of a ship's crew

From this reading Sir Gervais had very early observed that the young sailor possessed the characteristic reserve of his family, and avoided, whenever possible, all reference to himself.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

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

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

a feeling of fear of embarrassment

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

term of address for a man

From this reading Sir Gervais had very early observed that the young sailor possessed the characteristic reserve of his family, and avoided, whenever possible, all reference to himself.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

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

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

with strength or in a strong manner

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

past form of “tend” — have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

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

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

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

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

information about recent and important events

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

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

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

the quality of a person's voice

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

undergoing no change when acted upon

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

characterized by hard work and perseverance

From this reading His captain was, indeed, now all that remained to him, and he had nursed and tended him in his long illness with untiring devotion, insomuch, indeed, that it was with difficulty Vyner could persuade him to come down to the Boschetto for a few days, to rally his strength and spirits by change of air and scene.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

precisely as stated

From this reading Sir Gervais had very early observed that the young sailor possessed the characteristic reserve of his family, and avoided, whenever possible, all reference to himself.

Mexican revolutionary leader (1877-1923)

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

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

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

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

From this reading The tidings of his father’s death had met him as he landed at Genoa, and overwhelmed him with affliction--such utter friendlessness was his--so bereft was he of all that meant kindred or relationship.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

at the time that

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

at any time that; every time that

From this reading Sir Gervais had very early observed that the young sailor possessed the characteristic reserve of his family, and avoided, whenever possible, all reference to himself.

belonging to which person

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

in a willing manner

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.

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

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

a late time of life

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

but in spite of that

From this reading Strange and eventful as his last few years had been, he never referred to them, or did so in that careless, passing way that showed he would not willingly make them matter to dwell upon; and yet, with all this, there was an openness when questioned, a frank readiness to answer whatever was asked, that plainly proved his reserve was mere shyness--the modest dislike to make himself or his story foreground objects.

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

From this reading The party at the Villa were seated at breakfast the following morning, when Vyner arrived with his young guest--a fine, manly-looking, determined fellow, whose frank bearing and unaffected demeanour interested the ladies strongly in his favour at once; nor did the tone of sorrow and sadness in his manner detract from the good impression he produced.