Chapter XI

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

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

without advance planning

From this reading For some days following this question, I noticed that father seemed to be brooding over something, and finally, to my great surprise, I accidentally learned that I was the cause of his worry.

later than; following

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

(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 Although father did not insist on my answering, the question kept coming back to me all that day and the next, until I decided that to learn to read and write would be a very good thing.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Although father did not insist on my answering, the question kept coming back to me all that day and the next, until I decided that to learn to read and write would be a very good thing.

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

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

react verbally

From this reading At first I did not know what to answer, the question was so unexpected.

replying

From this reading Although father did not insist on my answering, the question kept coming back to me all that day and the next, until I decided that to learn to read and write would be a very good thing.

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

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At first I did not know what to answer, the question was so unexpected.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Although father did not insist on my answering, the question kept coming back to me all that day and the next, until I decided that to learn to read and write would be a very good thing.

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

From this reading Although father did not insist on my answering, the question kept coming back to me all that day and the next, until I decided that to learn to read and write would be a very good thing.

a long seat for more than one person

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

sitting on eggs so as to hatch them by the warmth of the body

From this reading For some days following this question, I noticed that father seemed to be brooding over something, and finally, to my great surprise, I accidentally learned that I was the cause of his worry.

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

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading For some days following this question, I noticed that father seemed to be brooding over something, and finally, to my great surprise, I accidentally learned that I was the cause of his worry.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Although father did not insist on my answering, the question kept coming back to me all that day and the next, until I decided that to learn to read and write would be a very good thing.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading For some days following this question, I noticed that father seemed to be brooding over something, and finally, to my great surprise, I accidentally learned that I was the cause of his worry.

recognizable; marked

From this reading Although father did not insist on my answering, the question kept coming back to me all that day and the next, until I decided that to learn to read and write would be a very good thing.

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

From this reading At first I did not know what to answer, the question was so unexpected.

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

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading Glancing at my mother, I saw that it made her so uneasy that she dropped a tumbler on the floor, a very unusual happening.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading For some days following this question, I noticed that father seemed to be brooding over something, and finally, to my great surprise, I accidentally learned that I was the cause of his worry.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading At first I did not know what to answer, the question was so unexpected.

the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading Glancing at my mother, I saw that it made her so uneasy that she dropped a tumbler on the floor, a very unusual happening.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading For some days following this question, I noticed that father seemed to be brooding over something, and finally, to my great surprise, I accidentally learned that I was the cause of his worry.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For some days following this question, I noticed that father seemed to be brooding over something, and finally, to my great surprise, I accidentally learned that I was the cause of his worry.

-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading Glancing at my mother, I saw that it made her so uneasy that she dropped a tumbler on the floor, a very unusual happening.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Although father did not insist on my answering, the question kept coming back to me all that day and the next, until I decided that to learn to read and write would be a very good thing.

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

From this reading For some days following this question, I noticed that father seemed to be brooding over something, and finally, to my great surprise, I accidentally learned that I was the cause of his worry.

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

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

an event that happens

From this reading Glancing at my mother, I saw that it made her so uneasy that she dropped a tumbler on the floor, a very unusual happening.

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

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Glancing at my mother, I saw that it made her so uneasy that she dropped a tumbler on the floor, a very unusual happening.

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

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

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

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

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

From this reading At first I did not know what to answer, the question was so unexpected.

be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge

From this reading Although father did not insist on my answering, the question kept coming back to me all that day and the next, until I decided that to learn to read and write would be a very good thing.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Glancing at my mother, I saw that it made her so uneasy that she dropped a tumbler on the floor, a very unusual happening.

undertake a journey or trip

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading Although father did not insist on my answering, the question kept coming back to me all that day and the next, until I decided that to learn to read and write would be a very good thing.

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

From this reading At first I did not know what to answer, the question was so unexpected.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading For some days following this question, I noticed that father seemed to be brooding over something, and finally, to my great surprise, I accidentally learned that I was the cause of his worry.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

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 A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Glancing at my mother, I saw that it made her so uneasy that she dropped a tumbler on the floor, a very unusual happening.

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

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Glancing at my mother, I saw that it made her so uneasy that she dropped a tumbler on the floor, a very unusual happening.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

information about recent and important events

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

immediately following in time or order

From this reading Although father did not insist on my answering, the question kept coming back to me all that day and the next, until I decided that to learn to read and write would be a very good thing.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

being perceived or observed

From this reading For some days following this question, I noticed that father seemed to be brooding over something, and finally, to my great surprise, I accidentally learned that I was the cause of his worry.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

above and across; more than

From this reading For some days following this question, I noticed that father seemed to be brooding over something, and finally, to my great surprise, I accidentally learned that I was the cause of his worry.

hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading At first I did not know what to answer, the question was so unexpected.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

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

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

cut with a saw

From this reading Glancing at my mother, I saw that it made her so uneasy that she dropped a tumbler on the floor, a very unusual happening.

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

From this reading For some days following this question, I noticed that father seemed to be brooding over something, and finally, to my great surprise, I accidentally learned that I was the cause of his worry.

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

From this reading Glancing at my mother, I saw that it made her so uneasy that she dropped a tumbler on the floor, a very unusual happening.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading At first I did not know what to answer, the question was so unexpected.

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

From this reading For some days following this question, I noticed that father seemed to be brooding over something, and finally, to my great surprise, I accidentally learned that I was the cause of his worry.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading For some days following this question, I noticed that father seemed to be brooding over something, and finally, to my great surprise, I accidentally learned that I was the cause of his worry.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading For some days following this question, I noticed that father seemed to be brooding over something, and finally, to my great surprise, I accidentally learned that I was the cause of his worry.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Glancing at my mother, I saw that it made her so uneasy that she dropped a tumbler on the floor, a very unusual happening.

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

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

a special situation

From this reading Although father did not insist on my answering, the question kept coming back to me all that day and the next, until I decided that to learn to read and write would be a very good thing.

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

From this reading For some days following this question, I noticed that father seemed to be brooding over something, and finally, to my great surprise, I accidentally learned that I was the cause of his worry.

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

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

the act of going from one place to another

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

a gymnast who performs rolls and somersaults and twists etc.

From this reading Glancing at my mother, I saw that it made her so uneasy that she dropped a tumbler on the floor, a very unusual happening.

lacking a sense of security or affording no ease or reassurance

From this reading Glancing at my mother, I saw that it made her so uneasy that she dropped a tumbler on the floor, a very unusual happening.

not expected or anticipated

From this reading At first I did not know what to answer, the question was so unexpected.

up to a particular time

From this reading Although father did not insist on my answering, the question kept coming back to me all that day and the next, until I decided that to learn to read and write would be a very good thing.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading Glancing at my mother, I saw that it made her so uneasy that she dropped a tumbler on the floor, a very unusual happening.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

precisely as stated

From this reading Glancing at my mother, I saw that it made her so uneasy that she dropped a tumbler on the floor, a very unusual happening.

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

From this reading At first I did not know what to answer, the question was so unexpected.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading At first I did not know what to answer, the question was so unexpected.

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

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

be worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy

From this reading For some days following this question, I noticed that father seemed to be brooding over something, and finally, to my great surprise, I accidentally learned that I was the cause of his worry.

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

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

produce a literary work

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading A JOURNEY One day, not long after a traveling merchant had brought us news of Dimitri, my father called me to the bench on which he sat, and putting his hands on my head, asked: "How would you like to learn to read and write?"