Chapter VII · Chapter 7

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

From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.

a sensitivity that is keen and highly developed

From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.

(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 Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.

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

From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.

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

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.

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

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.

a youthful male person

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

possessive form of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.

a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity

From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

an ability to understand the meaning or importance of something (or the knowledge acquired as a result)

From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.

without stop or interruption

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

plural of “convert” — a person who has been converted to another religious or political belief

From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.

act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining

From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.

plural of “disadvantage” — the quality of having an inferior or less favorable position

From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.

your usual mood

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

the trait of being agreeably submissive and manageable

From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.

plural of “employer” — a person or firm that employs workers

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

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

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.

set up or found

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

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 On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.

someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality

From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

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

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

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

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

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

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

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

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

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

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

plural of “indication” — something that serves to indicate or suggest

From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.

free from evil or guilt

From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.

the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.

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

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

using (or as if using) mechanisms or tools or devices

From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

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

From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.

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

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

not any; not one

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

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

From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.

having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues

From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.

past form of “proceed” — continue talking

From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.

the excess of revenues over outlays in a given period of time (including depreciation and other non-cash expenses)

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.

an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

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

From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.

(often used with “pay”) a formal expression of esteem

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

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

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

an educational institution

From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

the quality of being simple or uncompounded

From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.

plural of “stimulant” — any stimulating information or event; acts to arouse action

From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.

the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

the feel of a surface or a fabric

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He ascertained that the pattern-boy’s progress at the village school proceeded from something more than mechanical docility and readiness of comprehension.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

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

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.

in or at that place or location

From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.

a physiological need to drink

From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Lenny had a keen thirst for knowledge, and through all the disadvantages of birth and circumstance, there were the indications of that natural genius which converts disadvantages themselves into stimulants.

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

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

subjected to a physical (or chemical) treatment or action or agent

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.

(usually used in combination) having value of a specified kind

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

a community of people smaller than a town

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

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

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

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

From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.

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

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

which person or people

From this reading Riccabocca, who valued himself on penetrating into character, had from the first seen that much stuff of no common quality and texture was to be found in the disposition and mind of the English village boy.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Lenny Fairfield continued to give great satisfaction to his new employers, and to profit in many respects by the familiar kindness with which he was treated.

the internal mechanism of a device

From this reading On further acquaintance, he perceived that, under a child’s innocent simplicity, there were the workings of an acuteness that required but development and direction.