Chapter XI · Chapter 11

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

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

anew

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

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

From this reading He felt without comprehending that here was some precious essence, some elixir of life, secret as it was priceless; and for an instant a shadow, a doubt, a question crossed his happy egoism.

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

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

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

From this reading "You like the _appartement_, monsieur?"

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

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

not in a state of sleep; completely conscious

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading But the sharp, inquisitive voice of his guide brought him back to material things.

completely unclothed

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading But the sharp, inquisitive voice of his guide brought him back to material things.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the sharp, inquisitive voice of his guide brought him back to material things.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

-ing form of “comprehend” — get the meaning of something

From this reading He felt without comprehending that here was some precious essence, some elixir of life, secret as it was priceless; and for an instant a shadow, a doubt, a question crossed his happy egoism.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

erosion by chemical action

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

placed crosswise

From this reading He felt without comprehending that here was some precious essence, some elixir of life, secret as it was priceless; and for an instant a shadow, a doubt, a question crossed his happy egoism.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading He felt without comprehending that here was some precious essence, some elixir of life, secret as it was priceless; and for an instant a shadow, a doubt, a question crossed his happy egoism.

A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

conceived of or imagined or hoped for

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

(ethics) the theory that the pursuit of your own welfare in the basis of morality

From this reading He felt without comprehending that here was some precious essence, some elixir of life, secret as it was priceless; and for an instant a shadow, a doubt, a question crossed his happy egoism.

subject to popular election

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

a sweet flavored liquid (usually containing a small amount of alcohol) used in compounding medicines to be taken by mouth in order to mask an unpleasant taste

From this reading He felt without comprehending that here was some precious essence, some elixir of life, secret as it was priceless; and for an instant a shadow, a doubt, a question crossed his happy egoism.

the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience

From this reading He felt without comprehending that here was some precious essence, some elixir of life, secret as it was priceless; and for an instant a shadow, a doubt, a question crossed his happy egoism.

artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading He felt without comprehending that here was some precious essence, some elixir of life, secret as it was priceless; and for an instant a shadow, a doubt, a question crossed his happy egoism.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

Not remembered; lapsed from memory.

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

set up or found

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

physically weak

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

someone employed to conduct others

From this reading But the sharp, inquisitive voice of his guide brought him back to material things.

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

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

an indication of radiant light drawn around the head of a saint

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading He felt without comprehending that here was some precious essence, some elixir of life, secret as it was priceless; and for an instant a shadow, a doubt, a question crossed his happy egoism.

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

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

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

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading He felt without comprehending that here was some precious essence, some elixir of life, secret as it was priceless; and for an instant a shadow, a doubt, a question crossed his happy egoism.

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

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

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

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

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

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

conforming to an ultimate standard of perfection or excellence; embodying an ideal

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

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

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

lacking worth or importance

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

showing curiosity

From this reading But the sharp, inquisitive voice of his guide brought him back to material things.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading He felt without comprehending that here was some precious essence, some elixir of life, secret as it was priceless; and for an instant a shadow, a doubt, a question crossed his happy egoism.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

an intermediate platform in a staircase

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading "You like the _appartement_, monsieur?"

engage in

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

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

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests

From this reading But the sharp, inquisitive voice of his guide brought him back to material things.

street names for gamma hydroxybutyrate

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

used as a French courtesy title; equivalent to English “Mr”

From this reading "You like the _appartement_, monsieur?"

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

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

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

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

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

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

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

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

a person who requires medical care

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

look furtively

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for

From this reading He felt without comprehending that here was some precious essence, some elixir of life, secret as it was priceless; and for an instant a shadow, a doubt, a question crossed his happy egoism.

having incalculable monetary, intellectual, or spiritual worth

From this reading He felt without comprehending that here was some precious essence, some elixir of life, secret as it was priceless; and for an instant a shadow, a doubt, a question crossed his happy egoism.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading He felt without comprehending that here was some precious essence, some elixir of life, secret as it was priceless; and for an instant a shadow, a doubt, a question crossed his happy egoism.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading He felt without comprehending that here was some precious essence, some elixir of life, secret as it was priceless; and for an instant a shadow, a doubt, a question crossed his happy egoism.

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

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

From this reading He felt without comprehending that here was some precious essence, some elixir of life, secret as it was priceless; and for an instant a shadow, a doubt, a question crossed his happy egoism.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading But the sharp, inquisitive voice of his guide brought him back to material things.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading He felt without comprehending that here was some precious essence, some elixir of life, secret as it was priceless; and for an instant a shadow, a doubt, a question crossed his happy egoism.

confined on all sides

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

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

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

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

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

make physical contact with, come in contact with

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading But the sharp, inquisitive voice of his guide brought him back to material things.

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

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

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

From this reading It seemed to Max, as the door closed behind him and he found himself upon the bare landing, that he had dreamed and was awake again; for in truth the _ménage_ into which he had been permitted to peep seemed more the fabric of a dream than part of the new, inconsequent life he had elected to make his own.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading He felt without comprehending that here was some precious essence, some elixir of life, secret as it was priceless; and for an instant a shadow, a doubt, a question crossed his happy egoism.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading A curious halo of the ideal--of things set above the corroding touch of time or fortune--surrounded the old man forgotten of his world, and the patient wife, content in her one frail possession.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "You like the _appartement_, monsieur?"