Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Since you have kept your trunk in its case, I perceive above it your lips closed, and I do not see them move."

make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading Piccolissima, fearing she might be laughed at, did not dare to add, that she had supposed that the voice of the fly came from under his wings.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

(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 "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

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

From this reading I cannot explain how it is you speak and breathe.

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

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

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Piccolissima, fearing she might be laughed at, did not dare to add, that she had supposed that the voice of the fly came from under his wings.

bring into balance or equilibrium

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

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

From this reading Piccolissima, fearing she might be laughed at, did not dare to add, that she had supposed that the voice of the fly came from under his wings.

the two together, not just one

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

draw air into, and expel out of, the lungs

From this reading I cannot explain how it is you speak and breathe.

the bodily process of inhalation and exhalation; the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Piccolissima, fearing she might be laughed at, did not dare to add, that she had supposed that the voice of the fly came from under his wings.

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

From this reading I cannot explain how it is you speak and breathe.

an occurrence of something

From this reading Since you have kept your trunk in its case, I perceive above it your lips closed, and I do not see them move."

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading Since you have kept your trunk in its case, I perceive above it your lips closed, and I do not see them move."

take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading Piccolissima, fearing she might be laughed at, did not dare to add, that she had supposed that the voice of the fly came from under his wings.

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

From this reading Piccolissima, fearing she might be laughed at, did not dare to add, that she had supposed that the voice of the fly came from under his wings.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

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

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

make plain and comprehensible

From this reading I cannot explain how it is you speak and breathe.

-ing form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading Piccolissima, fearing she might be laughed at, did not dare to add, that she had supposed that the voice of the fly came from under his wings.

a high-pitched woodwind instrument; a slender tube closed at one end with finger holes on one end and an opening near the closed end across which the breath is blown

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

travel through the air; be airborne

From this reading Piccolissima, fearing she might be laughed at, did not dare to add, that she had supposed that the voice of the fly came from under his wings.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Piccolissima, fearing she might be laughed at, did not dare to add, that she had supposed that the voice of the fly came from under his wings.

a young female

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

the act of giving

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

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

From this reading Piccolissima, fearing she might be laughed at, did not dare to add, that she had supposed that the voice of the fly came from under his wings.

having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Since you have kept your trunk in its case, I perceive above it your lips closed, and I do not see them move."

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

From this reading Piccolissima, fearing she might be laughed at, did not dare to add, that she had supposed that the voice of the fly came from under his wings.

plural of “hole” — an opening into or through something

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

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

From this reading I cannot explain how it is you speak and breathe.

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

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

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

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

small air-breathing arthropod

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

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

From this reading I cannot explain how it is you speak and breathe.

past form of “issue” — prepare and issue for public distribution or sale

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I cannot explain how it is you speak and breathe.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Since you have kept your trunk in its case, I perceive above it your lips closed, and I do not see them move."

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading Since you have kept your trunk in its case, I perceive above it your lips closed, and I do not see them move."

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

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

past form of “laugh” — produce laughter

From this reading Piccolissima, fearing she might be laughed at, did not dare to add, that she had supposed that the voice of the fly came from under his wings.

plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking

From this reading Since you have kept your trunk in its case, I perceive above it your lips closed, and I do not see them move."

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

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

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

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Piccolissima, fearing she might be laughed at, did not dare to add, that she had supposed that the voice of the fly came from under his wings.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Since you have kept your trunk in its case, I perceive above it your lips closed, and I do not see them move."

to a great degree or extent

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Piccolissima, fearing she might be laughed at, did not dare to add, that she had supposed that the voice of the fly came from under his wings.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

a closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and a plane cutting completely through it

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

to become aware of through the senses

From this reading Since you have kept your trunk in its case, I perceive above it your lips closed, and I do not see them move."

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

From this reading Piccolissima, fearing she might be laughed at, did not dare to add, that she had supposed that the voice of the fly came from under his wings.

plural of “puff” — a short light gust of air

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

show unwillingness towards

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

the condition of belonging to a particular place or group by virtue of social or ethnic or cultural lineage

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

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

From this reading Piccolissima, fearing she might be laughed at, did not dare to add, that she had supposed that the voice of the fly came from under his wings.

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Since you have kept your trunk in its case, I perceive above it your lips closed, and I do not see them move."

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

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

express in speech

From this reading I cannot explain how it is you speak and breathe.

required or under orders

From this reading Piccolissima, fearing she might be laughed at, did not dare to add, that she had supposed that the voice of the fly came from under his wings.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

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

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Since you have kept your trunk in its case, I perceive above it your lips closed, and I do not see them move."

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

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

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

(of the voice) quivering as from weakness or fear

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

the main stem of a tree; usually covered with bark; the bole is usually the part that is commercially useful for lumber

From this reading Since you have kept your trunk in its case, I perceive above it your lips closed, and I do not see them move."

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

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Piccolissima, fearing she might be laughed at, did not dare to add, that she had supposed that the voice of the fly came from under his wings.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

conforming to the rules of grammar or usage accepted by native speakers

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

a means of flight or ascent

From this reading Piccolissima, fearing she might be laughed at, did not dare to add, that she had supposed that the voice of the fly came from under his wings.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "I speak as all well-formed people speak," answered the haughty insect, "with four voices;" and four puffs of air issued from the oval breathing holes on both sides of his breast, giving a tremulous motion to his two little egg-shell wings, his two balance wings, and the roots of his two other wings.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "I see," said the little girl, in a small flute voice, "that you know much more than I; do not refuse, then, to instruct me.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Since you have kept your trunk in its case, I perceive above it your lips closed, and I do not see them move."