Chapter XXVIII · Chapter 28

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

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

plural of “adventure” — a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

filled with fear or apprehension

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

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

From this reading WITHOUT THOUGHT OF CONSEQUENCE Everything was very quiet in the house where Mallalieu lay wide-awake and watchful.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

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

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

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

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

for the reason that

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading It seemed to him that he had never known it so quiet before.

the two together, not just one

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

terminate

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

Christian martyr and patron saint of travellers (3rd century)

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

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

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

concluding state of pregnancy; from the onset of contractions to the birth of a child

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading WITHOUT THOUGHT OF CONSEQUENCE Everything was very quiet in the house where Mallalieu lay wide-awake and watchful.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

without question and beyond doubt

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

comparative of “deeply” — to a great depth psychologically or emotionally

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

the boundary of a surface

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

divisible by two

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading WITHOUT THOUGHT OF CONSEQUENCE Everything was very quiet in the house where Mallalieu lay wide-awake and watchful.

deficient in magnitude; barely perceptible; lacking clarity or brightness or loudness etc

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

plural of “fir” — nonresinous wood of a fir tree

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

produced by or subjected to forcing

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

the act of departing

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

in a gradual manner

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

an established custom

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

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

From this reading It seemed to him that he had never known it so quiet before.

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

From this reading It seemed to him that he had never known it so quiet before.

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

From this reading It seemed to him that he had never known it so quiet before.

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

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

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

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

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

From this reading WITHOUT THOUGHT OF CONSEQUENCE Everything was very quiet in the house where Mallalieu lay wide-awake and watchful.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

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

From this reading WITHOUT THOUGHT OF CONSEQUENCE Everything was very quiet in the house where Mallalieu lay wide-awake and watchful.

easily irritated or annoyed

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

aroused to impatience or anger

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It seemed to him that he had never known it so quiet before.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading It seemed to him that he had never known it so quiet before.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading WITHOUT THOUGHT OF CONSEQUENCE Everything was very quiet in the house where Mallalieu lay wide-awake and watchful.

be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

hear with intention

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

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

From this reading WITHOUT THOUGHT OF CONSEQUENCE Everything was very quiet in the house where Mallalieu lay wide-awake and watchful.

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

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

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

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

an uneasy psychological state

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading It seemed to him that he had never known it so quiet before.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

not any; not one

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading WITHOUT THOUGHT OF CONSEQUENCE Everything was very quiet in the house where Mallalieu lay wide-awake and watchful.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

everlastingly; for all time

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

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

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

plural of “pine” — a coniferous tree

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading WITHOUT THOUGHT OF CONSEQUENCE Everything was very quiet in the house where Mallalieu lay wide-awake and watchful.

new

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

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

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

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

From this reading It seemed to him that he had never known it so quiet before.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

having the point made sharp

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

-ing form of “sigh” — heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It seemed to him that he had never known it so quiet before.

sound of quiet gentle steps

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

a person, without saying who

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

not in physical motion

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It seemed to him that he had never known it so quiet before.

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

From this reading WITHOUT THOUGHT OF CONSEQUENCE Everything was very quiet in the house where Mallalieu lay wide-awake and watchful.

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

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

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

From this reading WITHOUT THOUGHT OF CONSEQUENCE Everything was very quiet in the house where Mallalieu lay wide-awake and watchful.

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

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

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

From this reading It seemed to him that he had never known it so quiet before.

plural of “toe” — one of the digits of the foot

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

inclined to believe or confide readily; full of trust

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

precisely as stated

From this reading WITHOUT THOUGHT OF CONSEQUENCE Everything was very quiet in the house where Mallalieu lay wide-awake and watchful.

Risen from sleep; conscious.

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

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

From this reading WITHOUT THOUGHT OF CONSEQUENCE Everything was very quiet in the house where Mallalieu lay wide-awake and watchful.

engaged in or accustomed to close observation

From this reading WITHOUT THOUGHT OF CONSEQUENCE Everything was very quiet in the house where Mallalieu lay wide-awake and watchful.

the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

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

From this reading It was quiet at all times, both day and night, for Miss Pett had a habit of going about like a cat, and Christopher was decidedly of the soft-footed order, and stepped from one room to another as if he were perpetually afraid of waking somebody or trusting his own weight on his own toes.

in or at the place that

From this reading WITHOUT THOUGHT OF CONSEQUENCE Everything was very quiet in the house where Mallalieu lay wide-awake and watchful.

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

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

fully awake

From this reading WITHOUT THOUGHT OF CONSEQUENCE Everything was very quiet in the house where Mallalieu lay wide-awake and watchful.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading But on this particular night the silence seemed to be unusual--and it was all the deeper because no sound, not even the faint sighing of the wind in the firs and pines outside came to break it.

in the company of; together with

From this reading And Mallalieu's nerves, which had gradually become sharpened and irritated by his recent adventures and his close confinement, became still more irritable, still more set on edge, and it was with difficulty that he forced himself to lie still and to listen.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading WITHOUT THOUGHT OF CONSEQUENCE Everything was very quiet in the house where Mallalieu lay wide-awake and watchful.