Chapter IX · Chapter 9

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

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

(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 "If Joe Graves has broken anything, he's broken our friendship for good and all.

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

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

react verbally

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading "Yes,--any of his members, you know, his leg, or his arm, or,--If he has, I must say frankly that I hope it is his neck.

any thing at all

From this reading "If Joe Graves has broken anything, he's broken our friendship for good and all.

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

From this reading These boys that break themselves at the last minute, thereby breaking dates, are--" "Well," Connie said calmly, "if you're through, I'll begin."

a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading "Yes,--any of his members, you know, his leg, or his arm, or,--If he has, I must say frankly that I hope it is his neck.

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

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

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

From this reading These fellows that break themselves--" "Break themselves?" asked her father gravely.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading These boys that break themselves at the last minute, thereby breaking dates, are--" "Well," Connie said calmly, "if you're through, I'll begin."

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading These boys that break themselves at the last minute, thereby breaking dates, are--" "Well," Connie said calmly, "if you're through, I'll begin."

terminate

From this reading These fellows that break themselves--" "Break themselves?" asked her father gravely.

the act of breaking something

From this reading These boys that break themselves at the last minute, thereby breaking dates, are--" "Well," Connie said calmly, "if you're through, I'll begin."

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading "If Joe Graves has broken anything, he's broken our friendship for good and all.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

with self-possession (especially in times of stress)

From this reading These boys that break themselves at the last minute, thereby breaking dates, are--" "Well," Connie said calmly, "if you're through, I'll begin."

joyful religious song celebrating the birth of Christ

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

rid of obstructions

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

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

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

plural of “date” — the specified day of the month

From this reading These boys that break themselves at the last minute, thereby breaking dates, are--" "Well," Connie said calmly, "if you're through, I'll begin."

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

having the place or position changed

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

a social unit living together

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

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

From this reading These fellows that break themselves--" "Break themselves?" asked her father gravely.

plural of “fellow” — a boy or man

From this reading These fellows that break themselves--" "Break themselves?" asked her father gravely.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "If Joe Graves has broken anything, he's broken our friendship for good and all.

(used as intensives reflecting the speaker's attitude) it is sincerely the case that

From this reading "Yes,--any of his members, you know, his leg, or his arm, or,--If he has, I must say frankly that I hope it is his neck.

the state of being friends (or friendly)

From this reading "If Joe Graves has broken anything, he's broken our friendship for good and all.

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

From this reading "If Joe Graves has broken anything, he's broken our friendship for good and all.

in a grave and sober manner

From this reading These fellows that break themselves--" "Break themselves?" asked her father gravely.

English writer known for his interest in mythology and in the classics (1895-1985)

From this reading "If Joe Graves has broken anything, he's broken our friendship for good and all.

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

From this reading "If Joe Graves has broken anything, he's broken our friendship for good and all.

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

From this reading "Yes,--any of his members, you know, his leg, or his arm, or,--If he has, I must say frankly that I hope it is his neck.

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

From this reading "If Joe Graves has broken anything, he's broken our friendship for good and all.

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

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

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

From this reading "Yes,--any of his members, you know, his leg, or his arm, or,--If he has, I must say frankly that I hope it is his neck.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading "Yes,--any of his members, you know, his leg, or his arm, or,--If he has, I must say frankly that I hope it is his neck.

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

From this reading "Yes,--any of his members, you know, his leg, or his arm, or,--If he has, I must say frankly that I hope it is his neck.

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

From this reading These boys that break themselves at the last minute, thereby breaking dates, are--" "Well," Connie said calmly, "if you're through, I'll begin."

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "If Joe Graves has broken anything, he's broken our friendship for good and all.

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

From this reading "Yes,--any of his members, you know, his leg, or his arm, or,--If he has, I must say frankly that I hope it is his neck.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "Yes,--any of his members, you know, his leg, or his arm, or,--If he has, I must say frankly that I hope it is his neck.

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

From this reading "If Joe Graves has broken anything, he's broken our friendship for good and all.

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

From this reading "Yes,--any of his members, you know, his leg, or his arm, or,--If he has, I must say frankly that I hope it is his neck.

immediately past

From this reading These boys that break themselves at the last minute, thereby breaking dates, are--" "Well," Connie said calmly, "if you're through, I'll begin."

a human limb; commonly used to refer to a whole limb but technically only the part of the limb between the knee and ankle

From this reading "Yes,--any of his members, you know, his leg, or his arm, or,--If he has, I must say frankly that I hope it is his neck.

plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading "Yes,--any of his members, you know, his leg, or his arm, or,--If he has, I must say frankly that I hope it is his neck.

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

From this reading These boys that break themselves at the last minute, thereby breaking dates, are--" "Well," Connie said calmly, "if you're through, I'll begin."

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading "Yes,--any of his members, you know, his leg, or his arm, or,--If he has, I must say frankly that I hope it is his neck.

(superlative of “near” or “close”) within the shortest distance

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body

From this reading "Yes,--any of his members, you know, his leg, or his arm, or,--If he has, I must say frankly that I hope it is his neck.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "Yes,--any of his members, you know, his leg, or his arm, or,--If he has, I must say frankly that I hope it is his neck.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading "If Joe Graves has broken anything, he's broken our friendship for good and all.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading These boys that break themselves at the last minute, thereby breaking dates, are--" "Well," Connie said calmly, "if you're through, I'll begin."

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

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

express in words

From this reading "Yes,--any of his members, you know, his leg, or his arm, or,--If he has, I must say frankly that I hope it is his neck.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

a request to be present

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading These fellows that break themselves--" "Break themselves?" asked her father gravely.

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

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading These fellows that break themselves--" "Break themselves?" asked her father gravely.

by that means or because of that

From this reading These boys that break themselves at the last minute, thereby breaking dates, are--" "Well," Connie said calmly, "if you're through, I'll begin."

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These fellows that break themselves--" "Break themselves?" asked her father gravely.

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

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading These boys that break themselves at the last minute, thereby breaking dates, are--" "Well," Connie said calmly, "if you're through, I'll begin."

a light clear metallic sound as of a small bell

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

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

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

very sad; especially involving grief or death or destruction

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading These boys that break themselves at the last minute, thereby breaking dates, are--" "Well," Connie said calmly, "if you're through, I'll begin."

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

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

during the time that

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

which person or people

From this reading A CLEAR CALL The tinkle of the telephone disturbed the family as they were at dinner, and Connie, who sat nearest, rose to answer the summons, while Carol, at her corner of the table struck a tragic attitude.

an affirmative

From this reading "Yes,--any of his members, you know, his leg, or his arm, or,--If he has, I must say frankly that I hope it is his neck.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Yes,--any of his members, you know, his leg, or his arm, or,--If he has, I must say frankly that I hope it is his neck.

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

From this reading These boys that break themselves at the last minute, thereby breaking dates, are--" "Well," Connie said calmly, "if you're through, I'll begin."