Chapter XII

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

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

having a strong healthy body

From this reading We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.

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

From this reading LITTLE MISS ADELA.

anew

From this reading We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.

(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 We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.

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

From this reading We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.

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

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

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

From this reading We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.

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

From this reading We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

without stop or interruption

From this reading MILES' STORY—(continued).

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

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

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

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.

apart from; not including

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

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

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

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

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

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

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

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

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

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

From this reading The wonderful thing still was how quietly he took it all.

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

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

to make better

From this reading We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.

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

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The wonderful thing still was how quietly he took it all.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.

staying power

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

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

From this reading LITTLE MISS ADELA.

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

From this reading We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading MILES' STORY—(continued).

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading LITTLE MISS ADELA.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.

not any; not one

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

by chance

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

with low volume

From this reading The wonderful thing still was how quietly he took it all.

To recall to mind.

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

be seated

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.

be standing; be upright

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

not in physical motion

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

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 MILES' STORY—(continued).

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

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

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

a special situation

From this reading The wonderful thing still was how quietly he took it all.

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

From this reading We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.

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

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading The wonderful thing still was how quietly he took it all.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

the act of using

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

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

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.

(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 We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading NOTHING particular happened, that I can remember, through the early part of that winter, up to Christmas, except that my father got on perhaps a little better than was expected, and was able to sit up and use his hands, though he could not stand, and his legs still had little or no power in them.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading The wonderful thing still was how quietly he took it all.

a late time of life

From this reading We all knew well enough by this time that he never could be an able-bodied man again; though, as years went on, he might slowly improve.