Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

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

From this reading The next day Quin sold his dinner-coat for a fourth of what he paid for it, and forswore society forever.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

(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 wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

Having no one else present.

From this reading Every hour in the day he invented a new scheme for seeing Eleanor, which pride alone prevented him from carrying out.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

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

From this reading The next day Quin sold his dinner-coat for a fourth of what he paid for it, and forswore society forever.

consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading But the days of her holiday slipped away, and he neither saw nor heard from her.

United States explorer who accompanied Peary's expedition to the North Pole and who led many other Arctic trips (1875-1946)

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the days of her holiday slipped away, and he neither saw nor heard from her.

taking exception; especially a quibble based on a captious argument

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Every hour in the day he invented a new scheme for seeing Eleanor, which pride alone prevented him from carrying out.

discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

plural of “column” — a line of units following one after another

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

every day; without missing a day

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The next day Quin sold his dinner-coat for a fourth of what he paid for it, and forswore society forever.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading But the days of her holiday slipped away, and he neither saw nor heard from her.

zealous in devotion or affection

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

past form of “devour” — destroy completely

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

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

From this reading The next day Quin sold his dinner-coat for a fourth of what he paid for it, and forswore society forever.

manner of acting or controlling yourself

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

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

From this reading Every hour in the day he invented a new scheme for seeing Eleanor, which pride alone prevented him from carrying out.

select by a vote for an office or membership

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

tiresomely long; seemingly without end

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

plural of “errand” — a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Every hour in the day he invented a new scheme for seeing Eleanor, which pride alone prevented him from carrying out.

accept an excuse for

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The next day Quin sold his dinner-coat for a fourth of what he paid for it, and forswore society forever.

for a limitless time

From this reading The next day Quin sold his dinner-coat for a fourth of what he paid for it, and forswore society forever.

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

From this reading The next day Quin sold his dinner-coat for a fourth of what he paid for it, and forswore society forever.

following the third position; number four in a countable series

From this reading The next day Quin sold his dinner-coat for a fourth of what he paid for it, and forswore society forever.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Every hour in the day he invented a new scheme for seeing Eleanor, which pride alone prevented him from carrying out.

a quick look

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

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

From this reading The next day Quin sold his dinner-coat for a fourth of what he paid for it, and forswore society forever.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading But the days of her holiday slipped away, and he neither saw nor heard from her.

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

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Every hour in the day he invented a new scheme for seeing Eleanor, which pride alone prevented him from carrying out.

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

From this reading The next day Quin sold his dinner-coat for a fourth of what he paid for it, and forswore society forever.

leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure

From this reading But the days of her holiday slipped away, and he neither saw nor heard from her.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Every hour in the day he invented a new scheme for seeing Eleanor, which pride alone prevented him from carrying out.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

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

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

past form of “invent” — come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort

From this reading Every hour in the day he invented a new scheme for seeing Eleanor, which pride alone prevented him from carrying out.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The next day Quin sold his dinner-coat for a fourth of what he paid for it, and forswore society forever.

plural of “list” — a database containing an ordered array of items (names or topics)

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

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

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading But the days of her holiday slipped away, and he neither saw nor heard from her.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Every hour in the day he invented a new scheme for seeing Eleanor, which pride alone prevented him from carrying out.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading The next day Quin sold his dinner-coat for a fourth of what he paid for it, and forswore society forever.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading But the days of her holiday slipped away, and he neither saw nor heard from her.

plural of “note” — a brief written record

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The next day Quin sold his dinner-coat for a fourth of what he paid for it, and forswore society forever.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Every hour in the day he invented a new scheme for seeing Eleanor, which pride alone prevented him from carrying out.

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading The next day Quin sold his dinner-coat for a fourth of what he paid for it, and forswore society forever.

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

go across or through

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

past form of “prevent” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading Every hour in the day he invented a new scheme for seeing Eleanor, which pride alone prevented him from carrying out.

a feeling of self-respect and personal worth

From this reading Every hour in the day he invented a new scheme for seeing Eleanor, which pride alone prevented him from carrying out.

one of five children born at the same time from the same pregnancy

From this reading The next day Quin sold his dinner-coat for a fourth of what he paid for it, and forswore society forever.

cut with a saw

From this reading But the days of her holiday slipped away, and he neither saw nor heard from her.

an elaborate and systematic plan of action

From this reading Every hour in the day he invented a new scheme for seeing Eleanor, which pride alone prevented him from carrying out.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading Every hour in the day he invented a new scheme for seeing Eleanor, which pride alone prevented him from carrying out.

past form of “seize” — take hold of; grab

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

inflected form of “slip” — move stealthily

From this reading But the days of her holiday slipped away, and he neither saw nor heard from her.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading The next day Quin sold his dinner-coat for a fourth of what he paid for it, and forswore society forever.

disposed of to a purchaser

From this reading The next day Quin sold his dinner-coat for a fourth of what he paid for it, and forswore society forever.

in a strange manner

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

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

From this reading The next day Quin sold his dinner-coat for a fourth of what he paid for it, and forswore society forever.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

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

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

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

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

past form of “wade” — walk (through relatively shallow water)

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

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

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The next day Quin sold his dinner-coat for a fourth of what he paid for it, and forswore society forever.

in or at the place that

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.

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

From this reading Every hour in the day he invented a new scheme for seeing Eleanor, which pride alone prevented him from carrying out.

in the company of; together with

From this reading There was absolutely nothing in it, he assured the Martels, a conviction that assorted strangely with the fact that he devoured the columns in the daily papers devoted to the doings of the social elect, and waded through endless lists under the caption "Among Those Present."

inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work

From this reading He wrote her a dozen notes, all of which he tore up; he went out of his way to pass through the streets where he might catch a glimpse of her, and seized the slightest excuse for errands to the Bartlett house.