Chapter XII

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

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

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

(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 It had emboldened Baird to ask, "Ben, you know Ann better than any one else--tell me, is there no hope at all for me?"

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

From this reading "She's not herself yet, but she's prettier nor ever, though, more growed up and stately."

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

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

react verbally

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading It had emboldened Baird to ask, "Ben, you know Ann better than any one else--tell me, is there no hope at all for me?"

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It had emboldened Baird to ask, "Ben, you know Ann better than any one else--tell me, is there no hope at all for me?"

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

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

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

From this reading The kind that has to grow to it generally loves most to be loved.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

a mountain or tall hill

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

possessive form of “ben” — a mountain or tall hill

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading It had emboldened Baird to ask, "Ben, you know Ann better than any one else--tell me, is there no hope at all for me?"

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

brought into existence

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

uttered without voice

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "She's not herself yet, but she's prettier nor ever, though, more growed up and stately."

of an obscure nature

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

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

From this reading It had emboldened Baird to ask, "Ben, you know Ann better than any one else--tell me, is there no hope at all for me?"

made bold or courageous

From this reading It had emboldened Baird to ask, "Ben, you know Ann better than any one else--tell me, is there no hope at all for me?"

constituting the full quantity or extent; complete

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

divisible by two

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

at any time

From this reading "She's not herself yet, but she's prettier nor ever, though, more growed up and stately."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It had emboldened Baird to ask, "Ben, you know Ann better than any one else--tell me, is there no hope at all for me?"

usually; as a rule

From this reading The kind that has to grow to it generally loves most to be loved.

the act of giving

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

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

From this reading "She's not herself yet, but she's prettier nor ever, though, more growed up and stately."

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

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

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

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

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

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading "She's not herself yet, but she's prettier nor ever, though, more growed up and stately."

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

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading It had emboldened Baird to ask, "Ben, you know Ann better than any one else--tell me, is there no hope at all for me?"

plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

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

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

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

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

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

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

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

From this reading It had emboldened Baird to ask, "Ben, you know Ann better than any one else--tell me, is there no hope at all for me?"

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It had emboldened Baird to ask, "Ben, you know Ann better than any one else--tell me, is there no hope at all for me?"

determine the result of (a competition)

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

and nothing more

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading The kind that has to grow to it generally loves most to be loved.

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

From this reading It had emboldened Baird to ask, "Ben, you know Ann better than any one else--tell me, is there no hope at all for me?"

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

the literary culture

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

held dear

From this reading The kind that has to grow to it generally loves most to be loved.

plural of “love” — a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading The kind that has to grow to it generally loves most to be loved.

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

From this reading It had emboldened Baird to ask, "Ben, you know Ann better than any one else--tell me, is there no hope at all for me?"

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

From this reading "She's not herself yet, but she's prettier nor ever, though, more growed up and stately."

used to form the superlative

From this reading The kind that has to grow to it generally loves most to be loved.

as might be expected

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

not any; not one

From this reading It had emboldened Baird to ask, "Ben, you know Ann better than any one else--tell me, is there no hope at all for me?"

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading "She's not herself yet, but she's prettier nor ever, though, more growed up and stately."

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "She's not herself yet, but she's prettier nor ever, though, more growed up and stately."

being perceived or observed

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It had emboldened Baird to ask, "Ben, you know Ann better than any one else--tell me, is there no hope at all for me?"

comparative of “pretty” — pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading "She's not herself yet, but she's prettier nor ever, though, more growed up and stately."

inflected form of “refer” — make reference to

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

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

From this reading "She's not herself yet, but she's prettier nor ever, though, more growed up and stately."

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

impressive in appearance

From this reading "She's not herself yet, but she's prettier nor ever, though, more growed up and stately."

an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

express in words

From this reading It had emboldened Baird to ask, "Ben, you know Ann better than any one else--tell me, is there no hope at all for me?"

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It had emboldened Baird to ask, "Ben, you know Ann better than any one else--tell me, is there no hope at all for me?"

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

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

From this reading The kind that has to grow to it generally loves most to be loved.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

in or at that place or location

From this reading It had emboldened Baird to ask, "Ben, you know Ann better than any one else--tell me, is there no hope at all for me?"

in spite of the fact that

From this reading "She's not herself yet, but she's prettier nor ever, though, more growed up and stately."

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

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

the cognitive condition of someone who understands

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

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

From this reading "She's not herself yet, but she's prettier nor ever, though, more growed up and stately."

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.

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

From this reading Baird had not asked why Ann would not even acknowledge his letters, and Ben had not referred in any way to what lay between Ann and Baird, yet his entire letter had breathed understanding and sympathy.

but in spite of that

From this reading "She's not herself yet, but she's prettier nor ever, though, more growed up and stately."

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading It had emboldened Baird to ask, "Ben, you know Ann better than any one else--tell me, is there no hope at all for me?"

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Ben's answer had been cryptic: "About your hopes--I ain't no wise judge of women, but I've noticed that some of them is just naturally born giving hearted, and some has to grow up to it.