Chapter XII

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

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

how long something has existed

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

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

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

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

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

move towards

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

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

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading “It is strange,” I said at last, “that everyone here seems gifted with perpetual youth.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading It was not long, however, before my train of thought brought me back to the old groove.

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

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

have

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading It was not long, however, before my train of thought brought me back to the old groove.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading It was not long, however, before my train of thought brought me back to the old groove.

carefully weighed

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

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

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

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

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

of or belonging to or characteristic of this earth as distinguished from heaven

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

plural of “energy” — (physics) a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the capacity of a physical system to do work; the units of energy are joules or ergs

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

divisible by two

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

every person

From this reading “It is strange,” I said at last, “that everyone here seems gifted with perpetual youth.

make plain and comprehensible

From this reading I wish you would explain the mystery to me.”

a flaw or weak point

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

usually; as a rule

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

endowed with talent or talents

From this reading “It is strange,” I said at last, “that everyone here seems gifted with perpetual youth.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

a long narrow furrow cut either by a natural process (such as erosion) or by a tool (as e.g. a groove in a phonograph record)

From this reading It was not long, however, before my train of thought brought me back to the old groove.

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

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

only a very short time before

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

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

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading “It is strange,” I said at last, “that everyone here seems gifted with perpetual youth.

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

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading It was not long, however, before my train of thought brought me back to the old groove.

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

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

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

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

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

From this reading “It is strange,” I said at last, “that everyone here seems gifted with perpetual youth.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was not long, however, before my train of thought brought me back to the old groove.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

immediately past

From this reading “It is strange,” I said at last, “that everyone here seems gifted with perpetual youth.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading It was not long, however, before my train of thought brought me back to the old groove.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

English businessman who created a retail chain (1888-1964)

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

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

From this reading It was not long, however, before my train of thought brought me back to the old groove.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading It was not long, however, before my train of thought brought me back to the old groove.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading I wish you would explain the mystery to me.”

-ing form of “near” — move towards

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

not any; not one

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It was not long, however, before my train of thought brought me back to the old groove.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was not long, however, before my train of thought brought me back to the old groove.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading It was not long, however, before my train of thought brought me back to the old groove.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

continuing forever or indefinitely

From this reading “It is strange,” I said at last, “that everyone here seems gifted with perpetual youth.

more desirable than another

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

euphemisms for death (based on an analogy between lying in a bed and in a tomb)

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “It is strange,” I said at last, “that everyone here seems gifted with perpetual youth.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading “It is strange,” I said at last, “that everyone here seems gifted with perpetual youth.

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

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

not in physical motion

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

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

From this reading “It is strange,” I said at last, “that everyone here seems gifted with perpetual youth.

of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

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

From this reading It was not long, however, before my train of thought brought me back to the old groove.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading It was not long, however, before my train of thought brought me back to the old groove.

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

From this reading It was not long, however, before my train of thought brought me back to the old groove.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

create by training and teaching

From this reading It was not long, however, before my train of thought brought me back to the old groove.

plural of “trouble” — a source of difficulty

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

a message informing of danger

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

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

From this reading It was not long, however, before my train of thought brought me back to the old groove.

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

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

which person or people

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

belonging to which person

From this reading I reflected that although I had been told that people whose energies were failing generally preferred to give themselves a quietus, I still did not know how it was that no one seemed to bear any of the usual marks of age.

hope for; have a wish

From this reading I wish you would explain the mystery to me.”

in the company of; together with

From this reading “It is strange,” I said at last, “that everyone here seems gifted with perpetual youth.

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

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

gather or contract into wrinkles or folds; pucker

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

but in spite of that

From this reading I could hardly believe that the approach of a wrinkle, or a slight failing in any given direction, would be considered a sufficient warning to put an end to earthly troubles and yet I met not a single individual who looked as if she or he was even nearing old age.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading I wish you would explain the mystery to me.”

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading “It is strange,” I said at last, “that everyone here seems gifted with perpetual youth.