Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

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

From this reading DRESS AND MANNER--I EXAMINE MYSELF--MY GREAT-GRANDMOTHER.

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

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

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

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

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

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

for the reason that

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

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

From this reading When we began our biographies we resolved that neither of us should read the other's till both were finished.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

plural of “biography” — an account of the series of events making up a person's life

From this reading When we began our biographies we resolved that neither of us should read the other's till both were finished.

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

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

the two together, not just one

From this reading When we began our biographies we resolved that neither of us should read the other's till both were finished.

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

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

terminate

From this reading We began by very much wishing to break it, and we have ended by finding excellent reasons for doing so.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But our resolve has given way.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

indicating a lack of maturity

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading We began by very much wishing to break it, and we have ended by finding excellent reasons for doing so.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

put on clothes

From this reading DRESS AND MANNER--I EXAMINE MYSELF--MY GREAT-GRANDMOTHER.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading We began by very much wishing to break it, and we have ended by finding excellent reasons for doing so.

consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning

From this reading DRESS AND MANNER--I EXAMINE MYSELF--MY GREAT-GRANDMOTHER.

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading We began by very much wishing to break it, and we have ended by finding excellent reasons for doing so.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading We began by very much wishing to break it, and we have ended by finding excellent reasons for doing so.

(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state

From this reading When we began our biographies we resolved that neither of us should read the other's till both were finished.

a decorative texture or appearance of a surface (or the substance that gives it that appearance)

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading But our resolve has given way.

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

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

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

From this reading DRESS AND MANNER--I EXAMINE MYSELF--MY GREAT-GRANDMOTHER.

an established custom

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

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

From this reading But our resolve has given way.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

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

From this reading DRESS AND MANNER--I EXAMINE MYSELF--MY GREAT-GRANDMOTHER.

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

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

immediately past

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

at risk of or subject to experiencing something usually unpleasant

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading DRESS AND MANNER--I EXAMINE MYSELF--MY GREAT-GRANDMOTHER.

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

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading We began by very much wishing to break it, and we have ended by finding excellent reasons for doing so.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading DRESS AND MANNER--I EXAMINE MYSELF--MY GREAT-GRANDMOTHER.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading DRESS AND MANNER--I EXAMINE MYSELF--MY GREAT-GRANDMOTHER.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading When we began our biographies we resolved that neither of us should read the other's till both were finished.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading When we began our biographies we resolved that neither of us should read the other's till both were finished.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

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

From this reading When we began our biographies we resolved that neither of us should read the other's till both were finished.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading When we began our biographies we resolved that neither of us should read the other's till both were finished.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

to some extent; in some degree; not wholly

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

select carefully from a group

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

an inclination to do something

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

plural of “pudding” — any of various soft thick unsweetened baked dishes

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

plural of “raisin” — dried grape

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading When we began our biographies we resolved that neither of us should read the other's till both were finished.

plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading We began by very much wishing to break it, and we have ended by finding excellent reasons for doing so.

bring to an end; settle conclusively

From this reading But our resolve has given way.

determined

From this reading When we began our biographies we resolved that neither of us should read the other's till both were finished.

giving satisfaction

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

an act of economizing; reduction in cost

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading When we began our biographies we resolved that neither of us should read the other's till both were finished.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading We began by very much wishing to break it, and we have ended by finding excellent reasons for doing so.

characterized by good substantial quality

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

successive (without a break)

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading When we began our biographies we resolved that neither of us should read the other's till both were finished.

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

From this reading When we began our biographies we resolved that neither of us should read the other's till both were finished.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

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

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

up to a particular time

From this reading When we began our biographies we resolved that neither of us should read the other's till both were finished.

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

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

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

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

interact in a certain way

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

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

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

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

From this reading When we began our biographies we resolved that neither of us should read the other's till both were finished.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

precisely as stated

From this reading We began by very much wishing to break it, and we have ended by finding excellent reasons for doing so.

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

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading But our resolve has given way.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading When we began our biographies we resolved that neither of us should read the other's till both were finished.

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

From this reading When we began our biographies we resolved that neither of us should read the other's till both were finished.

at the time that

From this reading When we began our biographies we resolved that neither of us should read the other's till both were finished.

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

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.

a specific feeling of desire

From this reading We began by very much wishing to break it, and we have ended by finding excellent reasons for doing so.

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

From this reading This was partly because we thought it would be more satisfactory to be able to go straight through them, partly as a check on a propensity for beginning things and not finishing them, to which we are liable, and partly from the childish habit of "saving up the treat for the last," as we used--in "old times"--to pick the raisins out of the puddings and lay them by for a _bonne bouche_ when we should have done our duty by the more solid portion.