Chapter V

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

From this reading ROGER FINDS THE ISLAND It goes without saying that I have a retentive memory.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading DEAR JERRY: It is rather late in the day to ask me about that trip to ----.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading It left a gap in my story of which I never happened to receive any account, and it seemed to me a fairly important gap, though you will see that this was not Roger's view of it.

(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 Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

addition of extra material or illustration or clarifying detail

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

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

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

react verbally

From this reading Witness the following letter, which I received in answer to my plea for details of that strange night journey from New York to Margarita's town.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading It left a gap in my story of which I never happened to receive any account, and it seemed to me a fairly important gap, though you will see that this was not Roger's view of it.

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

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading DEAR JERRY: It is rather late in the day to ask me about that trip to ----.

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

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

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

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading DEAR JERRY: It is rather late in the day to ask me about that trip to ----.

dearly loved

From this reading DEAR JERRY: It is rather late in the day to ask me about that trip to ----.

be contingent upon (something that is elided)

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

true confidential information

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

to certain extent or degree

From this reading It left a gap in my story of which I never happened to receive any account, and it seemed to me a fairly important gap, though you will see that this was not Roger's view of it.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

plural of “find” — a productive insight

From this reading ROGER FINDS THE ISLAND It goes without saying that I have a retentive memory.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading Witness the following letter, which I received in answer to my plea for details of that strange night journey from New York to Margarita's town.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures

From this reading It left a gap in my story of which I never happened to receive any account, and it seemed to me a fairly important gap, though you will see that this was not Roger's view of it.

plural of “go” — a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)

From this reading ROGER FINDS THE ISLAND It goes without saying that I have a retentive memory.

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

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading It left a gap in my story of which I never happened to receive any account, and it seemed to me a fairly important gap, though you will see that this was not Roger's view of it.

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

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading ROGER FINDS THE ISLAND It goes without saying that I have a retentive memory.

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

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

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

From this reading ROGER FINDS THE ISLAND It goes without saying that I have a retentive memory.

not in action or at work

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

of great significance or value

From this reading It left a gap in my story of which I never happened to receive any account, and it seemed to me a fairly important gap, though you will see that this was not Roger's view of it.

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

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

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

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading ROGER FINDS THE ISLAND It goes without saying that I have a retentive memory.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading ROGER FINDS THE ISLAND It goes without saying that I have a retentive memory.

offensive term for a person of German descent

From this reading DEAR JERRY: It is rather late in the day to ask me about that trip to ----.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading Witness the following letter, which I received in answer to my plea for details of that strange night journey from New York to Margarita's town.

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

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

From this reading DEAR JERRY: It is rather late in the day to ask me about that trip to ----.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading It left a gap in my story of which I never happened to receive any account, and it seemed to me a fairly important gap, though you will see that this was not Roger's view of it.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading Witness the following letter, which I received in answer to my plea for details of that strange night journey from New York to Margarita's town.

engage in

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

a cocktail made of tequila and triple sec with lime and lemon juice

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

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

From this reading Witness the following letter, which I received in answer to my plea for details of that strange night journey from New York to Margarita's town.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

Recollections of past events.

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.

From this reading ROGER FINDS THE ISLAND It goes without saying that I have a retentive memory.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Witness the following letter, which I received in answer to my plea for details of that strange night journey from New York to Margarita's town.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading It left a gap in my story of which I never happened to receive any account, and it seemed to me a fairly important gap, though you will see that this was not Roger's view of it.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Witness the following letter, which I received in answer to my plea for details of that strange night journey from New York to Margarita's town.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Witness the following letter, which I received in answer to my plea for details of that strange night journey from New York to Margarita's town.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

a humble request for help from someone in authority

From this reading Witness the following letter, which I received in answer to my plea for details of that strange night journey from New York to Margarita's town.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

on the contrary

From this reading DEAR JERRY: It is rather late in the day to ask me about that trip to ----.

get something; come into possession of

From this reading It left a gap in my story of which I never happened to receive any account, and it seemed to me a fairly important gap, though you will see that this was not Roger's view of it.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading Witness the following letter, which I received in answer to my plea for details of that strange night journey from New York to Margarita's town.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

good at remembering

From this reading ROGER FINDS THE ISLAND It goes without saying that I have a retentive memory.

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

From this reading ROGER FINDS THE ISLAND It goes without saying that I have a retentive memory.

possessive form of “rogers” — United States humorist remembered for his homespun commentary on politics and American society (1879-1935)

From this reading It left a gap in my story of which I never happened to receive any account, and it seemed to me a fairly important gap, though you will see that this was not Roger's view of it.

express in words

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading ROGER FINDS THE ISLAND It goes without saying that I have a retentive memory.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading It left a gap in my story of which I never happened to receive any account, and it seemed to me a fairly important gap, though you will see that this was not Roger's view of it.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading It left a gap in my story of which I never happened to receive any account, and it seemed to me a fairly important gap, though you will see that this was not Roger's view of it.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

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 It left a gap in my story of which I never happened to receive any account, and it seemed to me a fairly important gap, though you will see that this was not Roger's view of it.

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

From this reading Witness the following letter, which I received in answer to my plea for details of that strange night journey from New York to Margarita's town.

required or under orders

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading ROGER FINDS THE ISLAND It goes without saying that I have a retentive memory.

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

From this reading ROGER FINDS THE ISLAND It goes without saying that I have a retentive memory.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

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

From this reading It left a gap in my story of which I never happened to receive any account, and it seemed to me a fairly important gap, though you will see that this was not Roger's view of it.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading It left a gap in my story of which I never happened to receive any account, and it seemed to me a fairly important gap, though you will see that this was not Roger's view of it.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

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

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading Witness the following letter, which I received in answer to my plea for details of that strange night journey from New York to Margarita's town.

a journey for some purpose (usually including the return)

From this reading DEAR JERRY: It is rather late in the day to ask me about that trip to ----.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

a collection containing a variety of sorts of things

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

precisely as stated

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading It left a gap in my story of which I never happened to receive any account, and it seemed to me a fairly important gap, though you will see that this was not Roger's view of it.

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

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

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

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

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

From this reading Witness the following letter, which I received in answer to my plea for details of that strange night journey from New York to Margarita's town.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading It left a gap in my story of which I never happened to receive any account, and it seemed to me a fairly important gap, though you will see that this was not Roger's view of it.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading ROGER FINDS THE ISLAND It goes without saying that I have a retentive memory.

someone who sees an event and reports what happened

From this reading Witness the following letter, which I received in answer to my plea for details of that strange night journey from New York to Margarita's town.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

the act of creating written works

From this reading Of course I depend very largely upon it for all the small details that Roger has from time to time vouchsafed me in regard to his relations with Margarita, or I could not very well be writing these idle memories, but Roger was always a poor writer--that is to say, so far as comment and amplification and variety of manner may be supposed to make a good one.

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading Witness the following letter, which I received in answer to my plea for details of that strange night journey from New York to Margarita's town.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading It left a gap in my story of which I never happened to receive any account, and it seemed to me a fairly important gap, though you will see that this was not Roger's view of it.