Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Hawkins hadn't favored me with any confidences about the motor, and at the first opportunity I indicated with brutal directness that none was desired.

(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 Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

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

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Lately she exacted my solemn pledge not to assist Hawkins with any more of his diabolical inventions.

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

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

on or to one side

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

something hard to endure

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Lately she exacted my solemn pledge not to assist Hawkins with any more of his diabolical inventions.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Hawkins hadn't favored me with any confidences about the motor, and at the first opportunity I indicated with brutal directness that none was desired.

(usually followed by “to”) strongly opposed

From this reading My wife is averse to widowhood.

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

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

the cognitive process that leads to convictions

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

uttered without voice

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading Hawkins hadn't favored me with any confidences about the motor, and at the first opportunity I indicated with brutal directness that none was desired.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

plural of “confidence” — freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading Hawkins hadn't favored me with any confidences about the motor, and at the first opportunity I indicated with brutal directness that none was desired.

wanted intensely

From this reading Hawkins hadn't favored me with any confidences about the motor, and at the first opportunity I indicated with brutal directness that none was desired.

true confidential information

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

showing the cunning or ingenuity or wickedness typical of a devil

From this reading Lately she exacted my solemn pledge not to assist Hawkins with any more of his diabolical inventions.

trueness of course toward a goal

From this reading Hawkins hadn't favored me with any confidences about the motor, and at the first opportunity I indicated with brutal directness that none was desired.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

plural of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

past form of “exact” — claim as due or just

From this reading Lately she exacted my solemn pledge not to assist Hawkins with any more of his diabolical inventions.

-ing form of “experiment” — to conduct a test or investigation

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

preferred above all others and treated with partiality

From this reading Hawkins hadn't favored me with any confidences about the motor, and at the first opportunity I indicated with brutal directness that none was desired.

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

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Hawkins hadn't favored me with any confidences about the motor, and at the first opportunity I indicated with brutal directness that none was desired.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

sexually unresponsive

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

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

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

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

From this reading Hawkins hadn't favored me with any confidences about the motor, and at the first opportunity I indicated with brutal directness that none was desired.

English privateer involved in the slave trade; later helped build the fleet that in 1588 defeated the Spanish Armada (1532-1595)

From this reading Lately she exacted my solemn pledge not to assist Hawkins with any more of his diabolical inventions.

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

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

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

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

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

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

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

From this reading Lately she exacted my solemn pledge not to assist Hawkins with any more of his diabolical inventions.

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

From this reading Hawkins hadn't favored me with any confidences about the motor, and at the first opportunity I indicated with brutal directness that none was desired.

coldness due to a cold environment

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

enclosed in the same envelope or package

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

past form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading Hawkins hadn't favored me with any confidences about the motor, and at the first opportunity I indicated with brutal directness that none was desired.

past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

past form of “insist” — be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

plural of “invention” — the creation of something in the mind

From this reading Lately she exacted my solemn pledge not to assist Hawkins with any more of his diabolical inventions.

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

From this reading My wife is averse to widowhood.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

in the recent past

From this reading Lately she exacted my solemn pledge not to assist Hawkins with any more of his diabolical inventions.

any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

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

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

the message that is intended or expressed or signified

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

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

From this reading Lately she exacted my solemn pledge not to assist Hawkins with any more of his diabolical inventions.

machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy and so imparts motion

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading My wife is averse to widowhood.

not one, and not any

From this reading Hawkins hadn't favored me with any confidences about the motor, and at the first opportunity I indicated with brutal directness that none was desired.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Lately she exacted my solemn pledge not to assist Hawkins with any more of his diabolical inventions.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Lately she exacted my solemn pledge not to assist Hawkins with any more of his diabolical inventions.

emotionally hurt or upset or annoyed

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading Hawkins hadn't favored me with any confidences about the motor, and at the first opportunity I indicated with brutal directness that none was desired.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

promise solemnly and formally

From this reading Lately she exacted my solemn pledge not to assist Hawkins with any more of his diabolical inventions.

keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

showing possibility of achievement or excellence

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

filled with satisfaction

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Lately she exacted my solemn pledge not to assist Hawkins with any more of his diabolical inventions.

marked by correspondence or resemblance

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading Lately she exacted my solemn pledge not to assist Hawkins with any more of his diabolical inventions.

to a sufficient degree

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Hawkins hadn't favored me with any confidences about the motor, and at the first opportunity I indicated with brutal directness that none was desired.

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

From this reading Hawkins hadn't favored me with any confidences about the motor, and at the first opportunity I indicated with brutal directness that none was desired.

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

From this reading My wife is averse to widowhood.

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

the act of using

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

precisely as stated

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

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

From this reading Hawkins hadn't favored me with any confidences about the motor, and at the first opportunity I indicated with brutal directness that none was desired.

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

From this reading Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and, believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself all details of his machine--whatever it might be--I breathed more easily.

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

From this reading For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force included, which might prevent her “Herbert” from experimenting further with his motor.

the time of a woman's life when she is a widow

From this reading My wife is averse to widowhood.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading My wife is averse to widowhood.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Lately she exacted my solemn pledge not to assist Hawkins with any more of his diabolical inventions.