Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

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

From this reading My glance travelled rapidly round the apartment, which was large, lofty, and oddly furnished.

a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house

From this reading My glance travelled rapidly round the apartment, which was large, lofty, and oddly furnished.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading At the table sat two men of striking personal appearance.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At the table sat two men of striking personal appearance.

the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face

From this reading One was a tall, venerable man with white beard and moustache, broad, high forehead, and calm, thoughtful, gray eyes.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading One was a tall, venerable man with white beard and moustache, broad, high forehead, and calm, thoughtful, gray eyes.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

make calm or still

From this reading One was a tall, venerable man with white beard and moustache, broad, high forehead, and calm, thoughtful, gray eyes.

(Roman Catholic Church) one of a group of more than 100 prominent bishops in the Sacred College who advise the Pope and elect new Popes

From this reading I Meet the Cardinal.

a low-lying region in central France

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

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

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

opinion or judgment

From this reading One was a tall, venerable man with white beard and moustache, broad, high forehead, and calm, thoughtful, gray eyes.

the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading One was a tall, venerable man with white beard and moustache, broad, high forehead, and calm, thoughtful, gray eyes.

provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)

From this reading My glance travelled rapidly round the apartment, which was large, lofty, and oddly furnished.

throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading My glance travelled rapidly round the apartment, which was large, lofty, and oddly furnished.

plural of “globe” — the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading One was a tall, venerable man with white beard and moustache, broad, high forehead, and calm, thoughtful, gray eyes.

not accessible to view

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading One was a tall, venerable man with white beard and moustache, broad, high forehead, and calm, thoughtful, gray eyes.

plural of “hundred” — ten 10s

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

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

From this reading I Meet the Cardinal.

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

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

plural of “instrument” — a device that requires skill for proper use

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading My glance travelled rapidly round the apartment, which was large, lofty, and oddly furnished.

filled or scattered with a disorderly accumulation of objects or rubbish

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style

From this reading My glance travelled rapidly round the apartment, which was large, lofty, and oddly furnished.

in a relaxed manner; not rigid

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

move something or somebody to a lower position

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

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

From this reading One was a tall, venerable man with white beard and moustache, broad, high forehead, and calm, thoughtful, gray eyes.

plural of “map” — a diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface (or part of it)

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

come together

From this reading I Meet the Cardinal.

the force of workers available

From this reading At the table sat two men of striking personal appearance.

an unshaved growth of hair on the upper lip

From this reading One was a tall, venerable man with white beard and moustache, broad, high forehead, and calm, thoughtful, gray eyes.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading My glance travelled rapidly round the apartment, which was large, lofty, and oddly furnished.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

held or filled or in use

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

in a manner differing from the usual or expected

From this reading My glance travelled rapidly round the apartment, which was large, lofty, and oddly furnished.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

a set of two similar things considered as a unit

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

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

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading At the table sat two men of striking personal appearance.

with speed

From this reading My glance travelled rapidly round the apartment, which was large, lofty, and oddly furnished.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading My glance travelled rapidly round the apartment, which was large, lofty, and oddly furnished.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading At the table sat two men of striking personal appearance.

past form of “screen” — test or examine for the presence of disease or infection

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

A flat horizontal plane used to hold books or scrolls in a library.

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

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

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect

From this reading At the table sat two men of striking personal appearance.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading One was a tall, venerable man with white beard and moustache, broad, high forehead, and calm, thoughtful, gray eyes.

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

From this reading I Meet the Cardinal.

having intellectual depth

From this reading One was a tall, venerable man with white beard and moustache, broad, high forehead, and calm, thoughtful, gray eyes.

familiar with many parts of the world

From this reading My glance travelled rapidly round the apartment, which was large, lofty, and oddly furnished.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

plural of “use” — the act of using

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

impressive by reason of age

From this reading One was a tall, venerable man with white beard and moustache, broad, high forehead, and calm, thoughtful, gray eyes.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

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

From this reading My glance travelled rapidly round the apartment, which was large, lofty, and oddly furnished.

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

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

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

From this reading My glance travelled rapidly round the apartment, which was large, lofty, and oddly furnished.

a Caucasian

From this reading One was a tall, venerable man with white beard and moustache, broad, high forehead, and calm, thoughtful, gray eyes.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.

in the company of; together with

From this reading A table littered with papers and parchments occupied the centre; the walls were almost hidden by hundreds of books and curious-looking maps; two globes stood in one corner; on a wide shelf close by were several strange instruments, the uses of which I did not understand; a pair of loosely hung curtains screened the lower end of the room.