Chapter II

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

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading "Oh, Pieter," Wilhelmina was saying, "to think that we have a cousin coming to see us from across the seas!"

later than; following

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

(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 There is nothing strange in hearing little Dutch children speak English, French, or German, for they are taught all three languages in their schools; and even very little children can say some words of English or German.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

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

From this reading There is nothing strange in hearing little Dutch children speak English, French, or German, for they are taught all three languages in their schools; and even very little children can say some words of English or German.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

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

From this reading Little Dutch children are usually very quiet, when compared to the children of most other countries, though they are full of fun, in a quiet sort of a way, when they want to be.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

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

From this reading Little Dutch children are usually very quiet, when compared to the children of most other countries, though they are full of fun, in a quiet sort of a way, when they want to be.

(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 "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

the two together, not just one

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

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

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading Little Dutch children are usually very quiet, when compared to the children of most other countries, though they are full of fun, in a quiet sort of a way, when they want to be.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading "Oh, Pieter," Wilhelmina was saying, "to think that we have a cousin coming to see us from across the seas!"

past form of “compare” — examine and note the similarities or differences of

From this reading Little Dutch children are usually very quiet, when compared to the children of most other countries, though they are full of fun, in a quiet sort of a way, when they want to be.

plural of “country” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Little Dutch children are usually very quiet, when compared to the children of most other countries, though they are full of fun, in a quiet sort of a way, when they want to be.

the child of your aunt or uncle

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

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

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

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

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

of or relating to the Netherlands or its people or culture

From this reading Little Dutch children are usually very quiet, when compared to the children of most other countries, though they are full of fun, in a quiet sort of a way, when they want to be.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

divisible by two

From this reading There is nothing strange in hearing little Dutch children speak English, French, or German, for they are taught all three languages in their schools; and even very little children can say some words of English or German.

(of persons) excessively affected by emotion

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading There is nothing strange in hearing little Dutch children speak English, French, or German, for they are taught all three languages in their schools; and even very little children can say some words of English or German.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading "Oh, Pieter," Wilhelmina was saying, "to think that we have a cousin coming to see us from across the seas!"

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Little Dutch children are usually very quiet, when compared to the children of most other countries, though they are full of fun, in a quiet sort of a way, when they want to be.

activities that are enjoyable or amusing

From this reading Little Dutch children are usually very quiet, when compared to the children of most other countries, though they are full of fun, in a quiet sort of a way, when they want to be.

a person of German nationality

From this reading There is nothing strange in hearing little Dutch children speak English, French, or German, for they are taught all three languages in their schools; and even very little children can say some words of English or German.

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

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "Oh, Pieter," Wilhelmina was saying, "to think that we have a cousin coming to see us from across the seas!"

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

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading There is nothing strange in hearing little Dutch children speak English, French, or German, for they are taught all three languages in their schools; and even very little children can say some words of English or German.

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

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

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

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

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

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

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

From this reading There is nothing strange in hearing little Dutch children speak English, French, or German, for they are taught all three languages in their schools; and even very little children can say some words of English or German.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

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

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

plural of “language” — a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading There is nothing strange in hearing little Dutch children speak English, French, or German, for they are taught all three languages in their schools; and even very little children can say some words of English or German.

a unit of instruction

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Little Dutch children are usually very quiet, when compared to the children of most other countries, though they are full of fun, in a quiet sort of a way, when they want to be.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

used to form the superlative

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

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

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading There is nothing strange in hearing little Dutch children speak English, French, or German, for they are taught all three languages in their schools; and even very little children can say some words of English or German.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region

From this reading "Oh, Pieter," Wilhelmina was saying, "to think that we have a cousin coming to see us from across the seas!"

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

on one occasion

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading There is nothing strange in hearing little Dutch children speak English, French, or German, for they are taught all three languages in their schools; and even very little children can say some words of English or German.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Little Dutch children are usually very quiet, when compared to the children of most other countries, though they are full of fun, in a quiet sort of a way, when they want to be.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

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

From this reading "Oh, Pieter," Wilhelmina was saying, "to think that we have a cousin coming to see us from across the seas!"

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading Little Dutch children are usually very quiet, when compared to the children of most other countries, though they are full of fun, in a quiet sort of a way, when they want to be.

on the contrary

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

cut with a saw

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

express in words

From this reading There is nothing strange in hearing little Dutch children speak English, French, or German, for they are taught all three languages in their schools; and even very little children can say some words of English or German.

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading "Oh, Pieter," Wilhelmina was saying, "to think that we have a cousin coming to see us from across the seas!"

an educational institution

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

plural of “school” — an educational institution

From this reading There is nothing strange in hearing little Dutch children speak English, French, or German, for they are taught all three languages in their schools; and even very little children can say some words of English or German.

plural of “sea” — a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading "Oh, Pieter," Wilhelmina was saying, "to think that we have a cousin coming to see us from across the seas!"

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading "Oh, Pieter," Wilhelmina was saying, "to think that we have a cousin coming to see us from across the seas!"

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

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

From this reading There is nothing strange in hearing little Dutch children speak English, French, or German, for they are taught all three languages in their schools; and even very little children can say some words of English or German.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

in the near future

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading Little Dutch children are usually very quiet, when compared to the children of most other countries, though they are full of fun, in a quiet sort of a way, when they want to be.

express in speech

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

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

From this reading There is nothing strange in hearing little Dutch children speak English, French, or German, for they are taught all three languages in their schools; and even very little children can say some words of English or German.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

an exchange of ideas via conversation

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading There is nothing strange in hearing little Dutch children speak English, French, or German, for they are taught all three languages in their schools; and even very little children can say some words of English or German.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

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

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There is nothing strange in hearing little Dutch children speak English, French, or German, for they are taught all three languages in their schools; and even very little children can say some words of English or German.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading "Oh, Pieter," Wilhelmina was saying, "to think that we have a cousin coming to see us from across the seas!"

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Little Dutch children are usually very quiet, when compared to the children of most other countries, though they are full of fun, in a quiet sort of a way, when they want to be.

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

From this reading There is nothing strange in hearing little Dutch children speak English, French, or German, for they are taught all three languages in their schools; and even very little children can say some words of English or German.

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

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

(mineralogy) two interwoven crystals that are mirror images on each other

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

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

From this reading "Oh, Pieter," Wilhelmina was saying, "to think that we have a cousin coming to see us from across the seas!"

under normal conditions

From this reading Little Dutch children are usually very quiet, when compared to the children of most other countries, though they are full of fun, in a quiet sort of a way, when they want to be.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

any creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

turn sharply; change direction abruptly

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

precisely as stated

From this reading Little Dutch children are usually very quiet, when compared to the children of most other countries, though they are full of fun, in a quiet sort of a way, when they want to be.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading Little Dutch children are usually very quiet, when compared to the children of most other countries, though they are full of fun, in a quiet sort of a way, when they want to be.

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

From this reading "Oh, Pieter," Wilhelmina was saying, "to think that we have a cousin coming to see us from across the seas!"

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "Oh, Pieter," Wilhelmina was saying, "to think that we have a cousin coming to see us from across the seas!"

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

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

at the time that

From this reading Little Dutch children are usually very quiet, when compared to the children of most other countries, though they are full of fun, in a quiet sort of a way, when they want to be.

which person or people

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

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

From this reading "Oh, Pieter," Wilhelmina was saying, "to think that we have a cousin coming to see us from across the seas!"

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

the words that are spoken

From this reading There is nothing strange in hearing little Dutch children speak English, French, or German, for they are taught all three languages in their schools; and even very little children can say some words of English or German.

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

From this reading THE AMERICAN COUSIN ANY one who saw the twins on their way to school one morning soon after the visit of Mynheer Van der Veer would know that something unusual had happened, for they were both talking away at once, in a most excited manner.

the day immediately before today

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "I wonder if he can talk Dutch; if he can't we will have to speak English, so you had better see to it that you have a better English lesson than you did yesterday," said Pieter, who was rather vain of his own English.