Chapter XXIV · Chapter 24

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

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

giving or marked by complete attention to

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

later than; following

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

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

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

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

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading "When did you learn that Eaton was Hugh Overton, Avery?" he asked.

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

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

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

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

next to; at the side of

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

people who have severe visual impairments, considered as a group

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

The middle point or core of an area.

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

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

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading "When did you learn that Eaton was Hugh Overton, Avery?" he asked.

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

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

on a floor below

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

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

From this reading "When did you learn that Eaton was Hugh Overton, Avery?" he asked.

the organ of sight

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

a lining applied to the edge of a garment for ornamentation or strengthening

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

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

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

an imperfection in an object or machine

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

at or to or toward the front

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

in a free manner

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

past form of “frequent” — do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

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

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

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

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

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

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

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

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

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

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

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

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

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

From this reading "When did you learn that Eaton was Hugh Overton, Avery?" he asked.

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

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

past form of “instruct” — impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

and nothing more

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

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 He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading "When did you learn that Eaton was Hugh Overton, Avery?" he asked.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

a room where books are kept

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

past form of “motion” — show, express or direct through movement

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

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

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

not any; not one

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

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

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

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

From this reading "When did you learn that Eaton was Hugh Overton, Avery?" he asked.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

plural of “position” — the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

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

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

-ing form of “rest” — not move; be in a resting position

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

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

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

Identical; not different.

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

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

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

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

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

a texture without roughness; smooth to the touch

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

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

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading It was the rule in Santoine's house that the furniture in the rooms he frequented should be kept always in the same positions; the blind man could move about freely, therefore, in these rooms.

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

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

up to a particular time

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

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

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

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

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

a flaw or weak point

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

at the time that

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

in or at the place that

From this reading He walked slowly now to a large chair beside the table in the center of the room and sat down, resting his arm on the table; when he felt the familiar smoothness of the table under his finger-tips he knew he was facing the part of the room where the sound he had just heard had told him Avery must be.

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

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

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

From this reading The blind man felt no physical weakness; he was wholly absorbed in the purpose for which he had dressed and come downstairs; now, as he heard Avery start forward to help him, he motioned him back.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE FLAW IN THE LEFT EYE Santoine, after Harriet had left the library, stood waiting until he heard the servant go out and close the door; he had instructed the man and another with him to remain in the hall.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "When did you learn that Eaton was Hugh Overton, Avery?" he asked.