used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
(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 He went about, dreaming of ogres and magicians, and all the rest, so much, that I scarcely think anything marvellous would have surprised him.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
pleasantly occupied
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
any person at all
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
any thing at all
From this reading He went about, dreaming of ogres and magicians, and all the rest, so much, that I scarcely think anything marvellous would have surprised him.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
for the reason that
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
believesverbUS /bɪˈliːvz/
third-person singular of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
catchingnounUS /ˈkætʃɪŋ/
(baseball) playing the position of catcher on a baseball team
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
ceilingnounUS /ˈsiːlɪŋ/
the overhead upper surface of a covered space
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
crammedverbUS /kræmd/
inflected form of “cram” — crowd or pack to capacity
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
dreamingnounUS /ˈdriːmɪŋ/
imaginative thoughts indulged in while awake
From this reading He went about, dreaming of ogres and magicians, and all the rest, so much, that I scarcely think anything marvellous would have surprised him.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
enchantedadjectiveUS /ɪnˈtʃæn.tɪd/
Filled with or placed under the influence of magical power or charm.
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
fanciesnounUS /ˈfænsiz/
plural of “fancy” — something many people believe that is false
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
coins made of gold
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
an established custom
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He went about, dreaming of ogres and magicians, and all the rest, so much, that I scarcely think anything marvellous would have surprised him.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
he'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
invisibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɪzəbəl/
impossible or nearly impossible to see; imperceptible by the eye
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
it's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
and nothing more
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
learntverbUS /lɜːrnt/
inflected form of “learn” — gain knowledge or skills
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
hear with intention
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
magiciansnounUS /məˈdʒɪʃənz/
plural of “magician” — someone who performs magic tricks to amuse an audience
From this reading He went about, dreaming of ogres and magicians, and all the rest, so much, that I scarcely think anything marvellous would have surprised him.
engage in
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
marvellousadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːrvələs/
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading He went about, dreaming of ogres and magicians, and all the rest, so much, that I scarcely think anything marvellous would have surprised him.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
muggyadjectiveUS /ˈmʌɡi/
hot or warm and humid
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
not any; not one
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
many times at short intervals
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
ogres
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He went about, dreaming of ogres and magicians, and all the rest, so much, that I scarcely think anything marvellous would have surprised him.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
to some extent; in some degree; not wholly
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
Peterkin's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
a separate part of a whole
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
The daughter of a monarch; a female member of a royal family.
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
pursenounUS /pɜːrs/
a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
on the contrary
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading He went about, dreaming of ogres and magicians, and all the rest, so much, that I scarcely think anything marvellous would have surprised him.
only a very short time before
From this reading He went about, dreaming of ogres and magicians, and all the rest, so much, that I scarcely think anything marvellous would have surprised him.
in a serious manner
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
skatingnounUS /ˈskeɪtɪŋ/
the sport of gliding on skates
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
in some unspecified way or manner; or by some unspecified means
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
STRATAGEMSnounUS /ˈstrætədʒəmz/
plural of “stratagem” — a maneuver in a game or conversation
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
stuffedadjectiveUS /stʌft/
filled with something
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
express a supposition
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading He went about, dreaming of ogres and magicians, and all the rest, so much, that I scarcely think anything marvellous would have surprised him.
carry out
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
in or at that place or location
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
a special situation
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
precisely as stated
From this reading If I had suddenly shot up to the ceiling, and called out that I had learnt how to fly, I don't believe he would have been startled; or if I had shown him a purse with a piece of gold in it, and told him that it was enchanted, and that he'd always find the money in it however often he spent it, he'd have taken it quite seriously, and been very pleased.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading He went about, dreaming of ogres and magicians, and all the rest, so much, that I scarcely think anything marvellous would have surprised him.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading 'STRATAGEMS' I REALLY don't quite know what made me listen to Peterkin's fancies about his invisible princess, as I got into the habit of calling her.
at the time that
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading It was partly, I suppose, because it amused me--we had nothing much to take us up just then: there was no skating that winter, and the weather was dull and muggy--and partly that somehow he managed to make me feel as if there might really be something in it.
in the company of; together with
From this reading I suppose when anybody quite believes in a thing, it's rather catching; and Peterkin's head was so stuffed and crammed with fairy stories that at that time, I think, they were almost more real to him than common things.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading He went about, dreaming of ogres and magicians, and all the rest, so much, that I scarcely think anything marvellous would have surprised him.
