Chapter XVII

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

From this reading WHILE Olivia might wince, and the Colonel chuckle over the Volkonsky incident, it was a more serious matter to Volkonsky.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading But when he began to inquire quietly about him of Ryleief, who evidently knew him, Volkonsky’s discomfort was very much increased.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

causing or tending to cause anger or resentment

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

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

From this reading The first meeting to him was an unpleasant shock, as he had learned to fear Pembroke much in other days.

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

From this reading WHILE Olivia might wince, and the Colonel chuckle over the Volkonsky incident, it was a more serious matter to Volkonsky.

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

From this reading The first meeting to him was an unpleasant shock, as he had learned to fear Pembroke much in other days.

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

From this reading But when he began to inquire quietly about him of Ryleief, who evidently knew him, Volkonsky’s discomfort was very much increased.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

past form of “care” — feel concern or interest

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

a soft partly suppressed laugh

From this reading WHILE Olivia might wince, and the Colonel chuckle over the Volkonsky incident, it was a more serious matter to Volkonsky.

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading WHILE Olivia might wince, and the Colonel chuckle over the Volkonsky incident, it was a more serious matter to Volkonsky.

the legislature of the United States government

From this reading Volkonsky therefore was quite unaware that Pembroke was in Congress.

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

the state of being tense and feeling pain

From this reading But when he began to inquire quietly about him of Ryleief, who evidently knew him, Volkonsky’s discomfort was very much increased.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading But when he began to inquire quietly about him of Ryleief, who evidently knew him, Volkonsky’s discomfort was very much increased.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading The first meeting to him was an unpleasant shock, as he had learned to fear Pembroke much in other days.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading The first meeting to him was an unpleasant shock, as he had learned to fear Pembroke much in other days.

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

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

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

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

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

From this reading The first meeting to him was an unpleasant shock, as he had learned to fear Pembroke much in other days.

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

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

a single distinct event

From this reading WHILE Olivia might wince, and the Colonel chuckle over the Volkonsky incident, it was a more serious matter to Volkonsky.

made greater in size or amount or degree

From this reading But when he began to inquire quietly about him of Ryleief, who evidently knew him, Volkonsky’s discomfort was very much increased.

address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading But when he began to inquire quietly about him of Ryleief, who evidently knew him, Volkonsky’s discomfort was very much increased.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading WHILE Olivia might wince, and the Colonel chuckle over the Volkonsky incident, it was a more serious matter to Volkonsky.

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

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading But when he began to inquire quietly about him of Ryleief, who evidently knew him, Volkonsky’s discomfort was very much increased.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading The first meeting to him was an unpleasant shock, as he had learned to fear Pembroke much in other days.

title used for a married Frenchwoman

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading WHILE Olivia might wince, and the Colonel chuckle over the Volkonsky incident, it was a more serious matter to Volkonsky.

a formally arranged gathering

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading WHILE Olivia might wince, and the Colonel chuckle over the Volkonsky incident, it was a more serious matter to Volkonsky.

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

From this reading WHILE Olivia might wince, and the Colonel chuckle over the Volkonsky incident, it was a more serious matter to Volkonsky.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The first meeting to him was an unpleasant shock, as he had learned to fear Pembroke much in other days.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

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

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

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

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

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

From this reading WHILE Olivia might wince, and the Colonel chuckle over the Volkonsky incident, it was a more serious matter to Volkonsky.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The first meeting to him was an unpleasant shock, as he had learned to fear Pembroke much in other days.

above and across; more than

From this reading WHILE Olivia might wince, and the Colonel chuckle over the Volkonsky incident, it was a more serious matter to Volkonsky.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

the smaller and straight-legged variety of corgi having pointed ears and a short tail

From this reading Volkonsky therefore was quite unaware that Pembroke was in Congress.

a future prospect or potential

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

with low volume

From this reading But when he began to inquire quietly about him of Ryleief, who evidently knew him, Volkonsky’s discomfort was very much increased.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Volkonsky therefore was quite unaware that Pembroke was in Congress.

located far away spatially

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

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

From this reading But when he began to inquire quietly about him of Ryleief, who evidently knew him, Volkonsky’s discomfort was very much increased.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading WHILE Olivia might wince, and the Colonel chuckle over the Volkonsky incident, it was a more serious matter to Volkonsky.

the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally

From this reading The first meeting to him was an unpleasant shock, as he had learned to fear Pembroke much in other days.

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

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Volkonsky therefore was quite unaware that Pembroke was in Congress.

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

From this reading WHILE Olivia might wince, and the Colonel chuckle over the Volkonsky incident, it was a more serious matter to Volkonsky.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Volkonsky therefore was quite unaware that Pembroke was in Congress.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

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

From this reading WHILE Olivia might wince, and the Colonel chuckle over the Volkonsky incident, it was a more serious matter to Volkonsky.

(often followed by “of”) not aware

From this reading Volkonsky therefore was quite unaware that Pembroke was in Congress.

offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness

From this reading The first meeting to him was an unpleasant shock, as he had learned to fear Pembroke much in other days.

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

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

precisely as stated

From this reading But when he began to inquire quietly about him of Ryleief, who evidently knew him, Volkonsky’s discomfort was very much increased.

a state in the eastern United States; one of the original 13 colonies; one of the Confederate States in the American Civil War

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

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

From this reading WHILE Olivia might wince, and the Colonel chuckle over the Volkonsky incident, it was a more serious matter to Volkonsky.

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

From this reading But when he began to inquire quietly about him of Ryleief, who evidently knew him, Volkonsky’s discomfort was very much increased.

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

From this reading WHILE Olivia might wince, and the Colonel chuckle over the Volkonsky incident, it was a more serious matter to Volkonsky.

at the time that

From this reading But when he began to inquire quietly about him of Ryleief, who evidently knew him, Volkonsky’s discomfort was very much increased.

in or at the place that

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.

during the time that

From this reading WHILE Olivia might wince, and the Colonel chuckle over the Volkonsky incident, it was a more serious matter to Volkonsky.

which person or people

From this reading But when he began to inquire quietly about him of Ryleief, who evidently knew him, Volkonsky’s discomfort was very much increased.

draw back, as with fear or pain

From this reading WHILE Olivia might wince, and the Colonel chuckle over the Volkonsky incident, it was a more serious matter to Volkonsky.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He had certainly taken into account the possibility of meeting some old acquaintances, but neither he nor Madame Volkonsky had cared to keep up with events in the remote county in Virginia, where they had passed some agitating days.