Chapter VI

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

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

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

From this reading Occasionally he had to answer an inquiry on the telephone, and this was the one excitement of his day.

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

From this reading Occasionally he had to answer an inquiry on the telephone, and this was the one excitement of his day.

react verbally

From this reading Occasionally he had to answer an inquiry on the telephone, and this was the one excitement of his day.

any thing at all

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

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

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

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

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

the specified day of the month

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Occasionally he had to answer an inquiry on the telephone, and this was the one excitement of his day.

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

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

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

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

at any time

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading Occasionally he had to answer an inquiry on the telephone, and this was the one excitement of his day.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

the state of being intensely interested (as by awe or terror)

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

at or to or toward the front

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

destroyed or killed

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

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

From this reading Occasionally he had to answer an inquiry on the telephone, and this was the one excitement of his day.

come to pass

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

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

From this reading Occasionally he had to answer an inquiry on the telephone, and this was the one excitement of his day.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

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

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

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

From this reading Occasionally he had to answer an inquiry on the telephone, and this was the one excitement of his day.

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

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

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

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

a search for knowledge

From this reading Occasionally he had to answer an inquiry on the telephone, and this was the one excitement of his day.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

prepare and issue for public distribution or sale

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading He would remain in that office for the rest of his life.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

United States bandleader of a popular big band (1909-1944)

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

a form of address for a man

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading Occasionally he had to answer an inquiry on the telephone, and this was the one excitement of his day.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Occasionally he had to answer an inquiry on the telephone, and this was the one excitement of his day.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading He would remain in that office for the rest of his life.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Occasionally he had to answer an inquiry on the telephone, and this was the one excitement of his day.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Occasionally he had to answer an inquiry on the telephone, and this was the one excitement of his day.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

past form of “push” — move with force

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

set that receives radio or tv signals

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading He would remain in that office for the rest of his life.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading He would remain in that office for the rest of his life.

sound loudly and sonorously

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

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

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

Identical; not different.

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds

From this reading Occasionally he had to answer an inquiry on the telephone, and this was the one excitement of his day.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

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

From this reading Occasionally he had to answer an inquiry on the telephone, and this was the one excitement of his day.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

a special situation

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

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

From this reading Occasionally he had to answer an inquiry on the telephone, and this was the one excitement of his day.

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

From this reading Occasionally he had to answer an inquiry on the telephone, and this was the one excitement of his day.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

an involuntary vibration (as if from illness or fear)

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

not expected or anticipated

From this reading Nothing unexpected ever happened; there was nothing to look forward to; each day was exactly like the one that had gone before; he did not, indeed, see how anything could ever happen now.

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

From this reading It was always the same thing--an inquiry about space rate, or the date of a special issue, but he never failed to experience a tremor of excitement as he ran into the next room and took up the receiver.

stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

desired or wished for or sought

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

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

From this reading Occasionally he had to answer an inquiry on the telephone, and this was the one excitement of his day.

at any time that; every time that

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”

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

From this reading The telephone had always possessed a fascination for him, and whenever he heard the bell ring in the next room he would put down his pen and wait, listening for the sound of a chair pushed back, an opened door, and the short, “Mr Miller, you’re wanted on the ’phone.”