Chapter I

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

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

move forward, also in the metaphorical sense

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome

From this reading Michael felt glad to think he would start the adventure of Oxford from Paddington.

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

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

plural of “alarm” — fear resulting from the awareness of danger

From this reading The simplicity of that railway station might faintly mitigate alarms which no amount of previous deliberation could entirely disperse.

(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 Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

a quantity of money

From this reading The simplicity of that railway station might faintly mitigate alarms which no amount of previous deliberation could entirely disperse.

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

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Michael hoped this precaution would prevent at any rate the porters from commenting upon the freshness of him and his friend.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

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

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

a university in England

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

exercising caution or showing care or attention

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

-ing form of “comment” — make or write a comment on

From this reading Michael hoped this precaution would prevent at any rate the porters from commenting upon the freshness of him and his friend.

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

From this reading The simplicity of that railway station might faintly mitigate alarms which no amount of previous deliberation could entirely disperse.

(usually plural) discussion of all sides of a question

From this reading The simplicity of that railway station might faintly mitigate alarms which no amount of previous deliberation could entirely disperse.

distribute loosely

From this reading The simplicity of that railway station might faintly mitigate alarms which no amount of previous deliberation could entirely disperse.

lying toward or situated in the east

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading The simplicity of that railway station might faintly mitigate alarms which no amount of previous deliberation could entirely disperse.

having complicated nutritional requirements; especially growing only in special artificial cultures

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

to a faint degree or weakly perceived

From this reading The simplicity of that railway station might faintly mitigate alarms which no amount of previous deliberation could entirely disperse.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Michael felt glad to think he would start the adventure of Oxford from Paddington.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

the property of being pure and fresh (as if newly made); not stale or deteriorated

From this reading Michael hoped this precaution would prevent at any rate the porters from commenting upon the freshness of him and his friend.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Michael felt glad to think he would start the adventure of Oxford from Paddington.

showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy

From this reading Michael felt glad to think he would start the adventure of Oxford from Paddington.

feeling or showing gratitude

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

in a grave and sober manner

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

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

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

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

From this reading Michael felt glad to think he would start the adventure of Oxford from Paddington.

of comparatively great physical weight or density

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

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

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

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

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

past form of “hope” — expect and wish

From this reading Michael hoped this precaution would prevent at any rate the porters from commenting upon the freshness of him and his friend.

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

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

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

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

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

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

without good reason

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

a large city in northwestern England; its port is the country's major outlet for industrial exports

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

cases used to carry belongings when traveling

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

(Old Testament) the guardian archangel of the Jews

From this reading Michael felt glad to think he would start the adventure of Oxford from Paddington.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The simplicity of that railway station might faintly mitigate alarms which no amount of previous deliberation could entirely disperse.

lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of

From this reading The simplicity of that railway station might faintly mitigate alarms which no amount of previous deliberation could entirely disperse.

preside over

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

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

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

not any; not one

From this reading The simplicity of that railway station might faintly mitigate alarms which no amount of previous deliberation could entirely disperse.

conforming with or constituting a norm or standard or level or type or social norm; not abnormal

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Michael felt glad to think he would start the adventure of Oxford from Paddington.

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

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

on one occasion

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

a city in southern England to the northwest of London; site of Oxford University

From this reading Michael felt glad to think he would start the adventure of Oxford from Paddington.

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

From this reading Michael felt glad to think he would start the adventure of Oxford from Paddington.

a raised horizontal surface

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

plural of “porter” — a person employed to carry luggage and supplies

From this reading Michael hoped this precaution would prevent at any rate the porters from commenting upon the freshness of him and his friend.

a new word formed by joining two others and combining their meanings

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.

From this reading Michael hoped this precaution would prevent at any rate the porters from commenting upon the freshness of him and his friend.

keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading Michael hoped this precaution would prevent at any rate the porters from commenting upon the freshness of him and his friend.

just preceding something else in time or order

From this reading The simplicity of that railway station might faintly mitigate alarms which no amount of previous deliberation could entirely disperse.

make a promise or commitment

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading The simplicity of that railway station might faintly mitigate alarms which no amount of previous deliberation could entirely disperse.

a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit

From this reading Michael hoped this precaution would prevent at any rate the porters from commenting upon the freshness of him and his friend.

past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

put in the mind of someone

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

the quality of being simple or uncompounded

From this reading The simplicity of that railway station might faintly mitigate alarms which no amount of previous deliberation could entirely disperse.

the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Michael felt glad to think he would start the adventure of Oxford from Paddington.

a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose

From this reading The simplicity of that railway station might faintly mitigate alarms which no amount of previous deliberation could entirely disperse.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

relating to or characteristic of or situated in suburbs

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The simplicity of that railway station might faintly mitigate alarms which no amount of previous deliberation could entirely disperse.

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

From this reading Michael felt glad to think he would start the adventure of Oxford from Paddington.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading Michael felt glad to think he would start the adventure of Oxford from Paddington.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

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

From this reading Michael felt glad to think he would start the adventure of Oxford from Paddington.

in the direction of

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

a state of commotion and noise and confusion

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Michael hoped this precaution would prevent at any rate the porters from commenting upon the freshness of him and his friend.

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

From this reading He remembered how once he had lightly seen off a Cambridge friend from Liverpool Street and, looking back at the suburban tumult of the Great Eastern Railway, he was grateful for the simplicity of Paddington.

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

From this reading The simplicity of that railway station might faintly mitigate alarms which no amount of previous deliberation could entirely disperse.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Michael felt glad to think he would start the adventure of Oxford from Paddington.

the act of creating written works

From this reading Michael had been careful that all his heavy luggage should be sent in advance; and he had shown himself gravely exacting toward Alan in this matter of luggage, writing several times to remind him of his promise not to appear on the platform with more than a portmanteau of moderate size and a normal kit-bag.