Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

perfect or complete or pure

From this reading "I think you're behaving like an absolute idiot," said Jack Kirkby indignantly.

past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading Frank grinned pleasantly, and added his left foot to his right one in the broad window-seat.

(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 These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

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

From this reading "I think you're behaving like an absolute idiot," said Jack Kirkby indignantly.

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

From this reading Frank grinned pleasantly, and added his left foot to his right one in the broad window-seat.

plural of “athlete” — a person trained to compete in sports

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

-ing form of “behave” — behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself

From this reading "I think you're behaving like an absolute idiot," said Jack Kirkby indignantly.

(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 The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading It was in that short space of time, between six and seven, during which the Great Court is largely deserted.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

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

From this reading Frank grinned pleasantly, and added his left foot to his right one in the broad window-seat.

a university in England

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

the body of faculty and students of a college

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

past form of “create” — make or cause to be or to become

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

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

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

forsaken by owner or inhabitants

From this reading It was in that short space of time, between six and seven, during which the Great Court is largely deserted.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading It was in that short space of time, between six and seven, during which the Great Court is largely deserted.

past form of “emerge” — come out into view, as from concealment

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

plural of “fellow” — a boy or man

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Frank grinned pleasantly, and added his left foot to his right one in the broad window-seat.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion

From this reading Frank grinned pleasantly, and added his left foot to his right one in the broad window-seat.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

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

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

inflected form of “grin” — to draw back the lips and reveal the teeth, in a smile, grimace, or snarl

From this reading Frank grinned pleasantly, and added his left foot to his right one in the broad window-seat.

on the floor closest to level with the ground

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

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

From this reading Frank grinned pleasantly, and added his left foot to his right one in the broad window-seat.

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

From this reading "I think you're behaving like an absolute idiot," said Jack Kirkby indignantly.

a person of subnormal intelligence

From this reading "I think you're behaving like an absolute idiot," said Jack Kirkby indignantly.

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

From this reading Frank grinned pleasantly, and added his left foot to his right one in the broad window-seat.

in an indignant manner

From this reading "I think you're behaving like an absolute idiot," said Jack Kirkby indignantly.

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

From this reading It was in that short space of time, between six and seven, during which the Great Court is largely deserted.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was in that short space of time, between six and seven, during which the Great Court is largely deserted.

a small worthless amount

From this reading "I think you're behaving like an absolute idiot," said Jack Kirkby indignantly.

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

From this reading "I think you're behaving like an absolute idiot," said Jack Kirkby indignantly.

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

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading It was in that short space of time, between six and seven, during which the Great Court is largely deserted.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Frank grinned pleasantly, and added his left foot to his right one in the broad window-seat.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading "I think you're behaving like an absolute idiot," said Jack Kirkby indignantly.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

the force of workers available

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

used to form the superlative

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Frank grinned pleasantly, and added his left foot to his right one in the broad window-seat.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

in a cheerful manner

From this reading Frank grinned pleasantly, and added his left foot to his right one in the broad window-seat.

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

plural of “retreat” — (military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

precisely, exactly

From this reading Frank grinned pleasantly, and added his left foot to his right one in the broad window-seat.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

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

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "I think you're behaving like an absolute idiot," said Jack Kirkby indignantly.

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading It was in that short space of time, between six and seven, during which the Great Court is largely deserted.

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

From this reading It was in that short space of time, between six and seven, during which the Great Court is largely deserted.

be seated

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading It was in that short space of time, between six and seven, during which the Great Court is largely deserted.

the unlimited expanse in which everything is located

From this reading It was in that short space of time, between six and seven, during which the Great Court is largely deserted.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was in that short space of time, between six and seven, during which the Great Court is largely deserted.

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

From this reading Frank grinned pleasantly, and added his left foot to his right one in the broad window-seat.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading "I think you're behaving like an absolute idiot," said Jack Kirkby indignantly.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading It was in that short space of time, between six and seven, during which the Great Court is largely deserted.

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

From this reading Frank grinned pleasantly, and added his left foot to his right one in the broad window-seat.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

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

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

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

From this reading It was in that short space of time, between six and seven, during which the Great Court is largely deserted.

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

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

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

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

which person or people

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

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

From this reading Frank grinned pleasantly, and added his left foot to his right one in the broad window-seat.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.

but in spite of that

From this reading The athletes and the dawdlers have not yet returned from field and river; and Fellows and other persons, young enough to know better, who think that a summer evening was created for the reading of books, have not yet emerged from their retreats.

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

From this reading "I think you're behaving like an absolute idiot," said Jack Kirkby indignantly.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading These two young men were sitting in one of the most pleasant places in all the world in which to sit on a summer evening--in a ground-floor room looking out upon the Great Court of Trinity College, Cambridge.