Chapter VIII

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

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

past form of “achieve” — to gain with effort

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

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

From this reading Ten minutes later he put down his pen and gave his waiting subordinate an encouraging smile.

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

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

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

From this reading As a result he let fall little and learned much.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading On this occasion he was busy at his great desk, which occupied the centre of the room, and merely glancing up at his Secretary's entrance, he resumed the piece of work on which he was engaged.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading On this occasion he was busy at his great desk, which occupied the centre of the room, and merely glancing up at his Secretary's entrance, he resumed the piece of work on which he was engaged.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading His reticence, however, was not the reserve of impotence, but the reserve of power.

capability to perform or produce

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

a low-lying region in central France

From this reading On this occasion he was busy at his great desk, which occupied the centre of the room, and merely glancing up at his Secretary's entrance, he resumed the piece of work on which he was engaged.

a person who is in charge

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

plural of “council” — a body serving in an administrative capacity

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

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

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments

From this reading On this occasion he was busy at his great desk, which occupied the centre of the room, and merely glancing up at his Secretary's entrance, he resumed the piece of work on which he was engaged.

negotiation between nations

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

relating to or characteristic of diplomacy

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

a discrimination between things as different and distinct on the basis of their characteristics or attributes

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Ten minutes later he put down his pen and gave his waiting subordinate an encouraging smile.

giving courage or confidence or hope

From this reading Ten minutes later he put down his pen and gave his waiting subordinate an encouraging smile.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading On this occasion he was busy at his great desk, which occupied the centre of the room, and merely glancing up at his Secretary's entrance, he resumed the piece of work on which he was engaged.

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading On this occasion he was busy at his great desk, which occupied the centre of the room, and merely glancing up at his Secretary's entrance, he resumed the piece of work on which he was engaged.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading As a result he let fall little and learned much.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Ten minutes later he put down his pen and gave his waiting subordinate an encouraging smile.

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

From this reading On this occasion he was busy at his great desk, which occupied the centre of the room, and merely glancing up at his Secretary's entrance, he resumed the piece of work on which he was engaged.

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

From this reading On this occasion he was busy at his great desk, which occupied the centre of the room, and merely glancing up at his Secretary's entrance, he resumed the piece of work on which he was engaged.

of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

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

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

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

From this reading As a result he let fall little and learned much.

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

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

the act of retaining something

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading His reticence, however, was not the reserve of impotence, but the reserve of power.

the quality of lacking strength or power; being weak and feeble

From this reading His reticence, however, was not the reserve of impotence, but the reserve of power.

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

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

having no limits or boundaries in time or space or extent or magnitude

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

in large part; mainly or chiefly

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Ten minutes later he put down his pen and gave his waiting subordinate an encouraging smile.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading As a result he let fall little and learned much.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading As a result he let fall little and learned much.

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

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

and nothing more

From this reading On this occasion he was busy at his great desk, which occupied the centre of the room, and merely glancing up at his Secretary's entrance, he resumed the piece of work on which he was engaged.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading Ten minutes later he put down his pen and gave his waiting subordinate an encouraging smile.

a form of address for a man

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading As a result he let fall little and learned much.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading His reticence, however, was not the reserve of impotence, but the reserve of power.

an event that occurs at a critical time

From this reading On this occasion he was busy at his great desk, which occupied the centre of the room, and merely glancing up at his Secretary's entrance, he resumed the piece of work on which he was engaged.

held or filled or in use

From this reading On this occasion he was busy at his great desk, which occupied the centre of the room, and merely glancing up at his Secretary's entrance, he resumed the piece of work on which he was engaged.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

a writing implement with a point from which ink flows

From this reading Ten minutes later he put down his pen and gave his waiting subordinate an encouraging smile.

a separate part of a whole

From this reading On this occasion he was busy at his great desk, which occupied the centre of the room, and merely glancing up at his Secretary's entrance, he resumed the piece of work on which he was engaged.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading His reticence, however, was not the reserve of impotence, but the reserve of power.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Ten minutes later he put down his pen and gave his waiting subordinate an encouraging smile.

formality and propriety of manner

From this reading His reticence, however, was not the reserve of impotence, but the reserve of power.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading As a result he let fall little and learned much.

past form of “resume” — take up or begin anew

From this reading On this occasion he was busy at his great desk, which occupied the centre of the room, and merely glancing up at his Secretary's entrance, he resumed the piece of work on which he was engaged.

the trait of being uncommunicative; not volunteering anything more than necessary

From this reading His reticence, however, was not the reserve of impotence, but the reserve of power.

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

From this reading On this occasion he was busy at his great desk, which occupied the centre of the room, and merely glancing up at his Secretary's entrance, he resumed the piece of work on which he was engaged.

possessive form of “secretary” — a person who is head of an administrative department of government

From this reading On this occasion he was busy at his great desk, which occupied the centre of the room, and merely glancing up at his Secretary's entrance, he resumed the piece of work on which he was engaged.

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading Ten minutes later he put down his pen and gave his waiting subordinate an encouraging smile.

possessive form of “stanley” — United States inventor who built a steam-powered automobile (1849-1918)

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

lower in rank or importance

From this reading Ten minutes later he put down his pen and gave his waiting subordinate an encouraging smile.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading Ten minutes later he put down his pen and gave his waiting subordinate an encouraging smile.

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

From this reading His reticence, however, was not the reserve of impotence, but the reserve of power.

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

From this reading On this occasion he was busy at his great desk, which occupied the centre of the room, and merely glancing up at his Secretary's entrance, he resumed the piece of work on which he was engaged.

a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

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

From this reading On this occasion he was busy at his great desk, which occupied the centre of the room, and merely glancing up at his Secretary's entrance, he resumed the piece of work on which he was engaged.

the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)

From this reading Ten minutes later he put down his pen and gave his waiting subordinate an encouraging smile.

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

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

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

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

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

From this reading On this occasion he was busy at his great desk, which occupied the centre of the room, and merely glancing up at his Secretary's entrance, he resumed the piece of work on which he was engaged.

which person or people

From this reading DIPLOMATIC INSTRUCTIONS Mr. Stanley's Chief was a grey, weazened little man, who had achieved distinction in diplomacy and in his country's councils, largely on account of his infinite capacity for holding his tongue.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading On this occasion he was busy at his great desk, which occupied the centre of the room, and merely glancing up at his Secretary's entrance, he resumed the piece of work on which he was engaged.