Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

not being in a specified place

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

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

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

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

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

respiratory disorder characterized by wheezing; usually of allergic origin

From this reading It seemed as if some one was trying to hum a tune in defiance of the asthma.

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

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading He recollected the report of the room’s being haunted; but he was no believer in ghosts.

a supporter who accepts something as true

From this reading He recollected the report of the room’s being haunted; but he was no believer in ghosts.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

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

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

intentionally contemptuous behavior or attitude

From this reading It seemed as if some one was trying to hum a tune in defiance of the asthma.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

plural of “ghost” — a mental representation of some haunting experience

From this reading He recollected the report of the room’s being haunted; but he was no believer in ghosts.

the father of your father or mother

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

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

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

having or showing excessive or compulsive concern with something

From this reading He recollected the report of the room’s being haunted; but he was no believer in ghosts.

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

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

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

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

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

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

sing with closed lips

From this reading It seemed as if some one was trying to hum a tune in defiance of the asthma.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading It seemed as if some one was trying to hum a tune in defiance of the asthma.

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

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It seemed as if some one was trying to hum a tune in defiance of the asthma.

and nothing more

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

past form of “listen” — hear with intention

From this reading He paused and listened.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

past form of “mention” — make reference to

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

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

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

not any; not one

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It seemed as if some one was trying to hum a tune in defiance of the asthma.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It seemed as if some one was trying to hum a tune in defiance of the asthma.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing

From this reading He paused and listened.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

by chance

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

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

From this reading He recollected the report of the room’s being haunted; but he was no believer in ghosts.

inflected form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

to give an account or representation of in words

From this reading He recollected the report of the room’s being haunted; but he was no believer in ghosts.

tending to return to an earlier state

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

possessive form of “room” — an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading He recollected the report of the room’s being haunted; but he was no believer in ghosts.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading It seemed as if some one was trying to hum a tune in defiance of the asthma.

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

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

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

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

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

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

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

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

hard to endure

From this reading It seemed as if some one was trying to hum a tune in defiance of the asthma.

a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence

From this reading It seemed as if some one was trying to hum a tune in defiance of the asthma.

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

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

the act of using

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

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

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

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

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

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

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

used to ask for information about something

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

at the time that

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading “Why, to cool himself to be sure,” replied the other, “or perhaps to find a more comfortable bed—or perhaps—but no matter what he went for—he never mentioned; and there’s no use in taking up our time in conjecturing.”

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Well, my grandfather had been for some time absent from his room, and was returning, perfectly cool, when just as he reached the door he heard a strange noise within.