Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

later than; following

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

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

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

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

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

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

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

weapons considered collectively

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

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

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I at once divined his intention; and, without waiting to make reply, I seized one of the branches of the dragon-tree, and commenced drawing myself upward.

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

From this reading Quick!--quick! or the beast'll be on us."

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

From this reading Quick!--quick! or the beast'll be on us."

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

a mountain or tall hill

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading "Now, lad," shouted he, "lay hold of the branch and hoist yourself up.

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading I at once divined his intention; and, without waiting to make reply, I seized one of the branches of the dragon-tree, and commenced drawing myself upward.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

go upward with gradual or continuous progress

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

past form of “commence” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading I at once divined his intention; and, without waiting to make reply, I seized one of the branches of the dragon-tree, and commenced drawing myself upward.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

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

From this reading I at once divined his intention; and, without waiting to make reply, I seized one of the branches of the dragon-tree, and commenced drawing myself upward.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

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

From this reading I at once divined his intention; and, without waiting to make reply, I seized one of the branches of the dragon-tree, and commenced drawing myself upward.

an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper

From this reading I at once divined his intention; and, without waiting to make reply, I seized one of the branches of the dragon-tree, and commenced drawing myself upward.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

divisible by two

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

an abrupt excited utterance

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

-ing form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

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

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

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

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

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

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help

From this reading "Now, lad," shouted he, "lay hold of the branch and hoist yourself up.

past form of “hoist” — raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading "Now, lad," shouted he, "lay hold of the branch and hoist yourself up.

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

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

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

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading I at once divined his intention; and, without waiting to make reply, I seized one of the branches of the dragon-tree, and commenced drawing myself upward.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

and nothing more

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

a boy or man

From this reading "Now, lad," shouted he, "lay hold of the branch and hoist yourself up.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading "Now, lad," shouted he, "lay hold of the branch and hoist yourself up.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

staying power

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

plural of “limb” — one of the jointed appendages of an animal used for locomotion or grasping: arm; leg; wing; flipper

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

bringing a charge or accusation against someone

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

engage in

From this reading I at once divined his intention; and, without waiting to make reply, I seized one of the branches of the dragon-tree, and commenced drawing myself upward.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

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

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

any of various long-tailed primates (excluding the prosimians)

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

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

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading I at once divined his intention; and, without waiting to make reply, I seized one of the branches of the dragon-tree, and commenced drawing myself upward.

not any; not one

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading "Now, lad," shouted he, "lay hold of the branch and hoist yourself up.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Quick!--quick! or the beast'll be on us."

on one occasion

From this reading I at once divined his intention; and, without waiting to make reply, I seized one of the branches of the dragon-tree, and commenced drawing myself upward.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading I at once divined his intention; and, without waiting to make reply, I seized one of the branches of the dragon-tree, and commenced drawing myself upward.

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Quick!--quick! or the beast'll be on us."

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading Quick!--quick! or the beast'll be on us."

raise the level or amount of something

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

From this reading I at once divined his intention; and, without waiting to make reply, I seized one of the branches of the dragon-tree, and commenced drawing myself upward.

any member of a ship's crew

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

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

From this reading I at once divined his intention; and, without waiting to make reply, I seized one of the branches of the dragon-tree, and commenced drawing myself upward.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

in a vehement outcry

From this reading "Now, lad," shouted he, "lay hold of the branch and hoist yourself up.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

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

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

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

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

the act of distorting something so it seems to mean something it was not intended to mean

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

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

From this reading "Now, lad," shouted he, "lay hold of the branch and hoist yourself up.

directed up

From this reading I at once divined his intention; and, without waiting to make reply, I seized one of the branches of the dragon-tree, and commenced drawing myself upward.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Quick!--quick! or the beast'll be on us."

the use of uttered sounds for auditory communication

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

an act of traveling by water

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

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

From this reading I at once divined his intention; and, without waiting to make reply, I seized one of the branches of the dragon-tree, and commenced drawing myself upward.

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

From this reading Ben was of a different opinion, and before I could do more than give utterance to an exclamation of terror, he had caught me by the legs and hoisted me high above his shoulders into the air!

at the time that

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading I at once divined his intention; and, without waiting to make reply, I seized one of the branches of the dragon-tree, and commenced drawing myself upward.

moving in a twisting or snake-like or wormlike fashion

From this reading The branch was just as high as I could reach with my hands--even when held up in the arms of the tall sailor--and it was no easy matter to raise my body up to it; but during the voyage I had learned to climb like a monkey, and, after some twisting and wriggling, I succeeded in gaining a lodgment among the limbs of the tree.

used when the person spoken to is also the object of the action

From this reading "Now, lad," shouted he, "lay hold of the branch and hoist yourself up.