Chapter XII · Chapter 12

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

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

move forward, also in the metaphorical sense

From this reading While conjectures on the probable result of the expected interview were passing through his mind, an inner door opened, and an attendant signed for Jacopo to advance.

(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 In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

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

From this reading The reader has probably anticipated, that Antonio was now standing in an antechamber of the secret and stern tribunal described in the preceding chapter.

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

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

a large entrance or reception room or area

From this reading The reader has probably anticipated, that Antonio was now standing in an antechamber of the secret and stern tribunal described in the preceding chapter.

expected hopefully

From this reading The reader has probably anticipated, that Antonio was now standing in an antechamber of the secret and stern tribunal described in the preceding chapter.

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

From this reading The reader has probably anticipated, that Antonio was now standing in an antechamber of the secret and stern tribunal described in the preceding chapter.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

fearful expectation or anticipation

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

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

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another

From this reading While conjectures on the probable result of the expected interview were passing through his mind, an inner door opened, and an attendant signed for Jacopo to advance.

plural of “attribute” — a construct whereby objects or individuals can be distinguished

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

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

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

earlier than; in front of

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

marked by blithe unconcern

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading The reader has probably anticipated, that Antonio was now standing in an antechamber of the secret and stern tribunal described in the preceding chapter.

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

having knowledge of

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

-ing form of “comprehend” — get the meaning of something

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

plural of “concern” — something that interests you because it is important or affects you

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

plural of “conjecture” — a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence)

From this reading While conjectures on the probable result of the expected interview were passing through his mind, an inner door opened, and an attendant signed for Jacopo to advance.

carry on a conversation

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

a body serving in an administrative capacity

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading The reader has probably anticipated, that Antonio was now standing in an antechamber of the secret and stern tribunal described in the preceding chapter.

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

From this reading While conjectures on the probable result of the expected interview were passing through his mind, an inner door opened, and an attendant signed for Jacopo to advance.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading While conjectures on the probable result of the expected interview were passing through his mind, an inner door opened, and an attendant signed for Jacopo to advance.

the point or degree to which something extends

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

opinion or judgment

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

a social unit living together

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

someone whose occupation is catching fish

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading While conjectures on the probable result of the expected interview were passing through his mind, an inner door opened, and an attendant signed for Jacopo to advance.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

plural of “function” — (mathematics) a mathematical relation such that each element of a given set (the domain of the function) is associated with an element of another set (the range of the function)

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

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

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

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

From this reading The reader has probably anticipated, that Antonio was now standing in an antechamber of the secret and stern tribunal described in the preceding chapter.

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

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

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

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

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

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

of great significance or value

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

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

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

located inward

From this reading While conjectures on the probable result of the expected interview were passing through his mind, an inner door opened, and an attendant signed for Jacopo to advance.

plural of “interest” — a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting

From this reading While conjectures on the probable result of the expected interview were passing through his mind, an inner door opened, and an attendant signed for Jacopo to advance.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

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

From this reading While conjectures on the probable result of the expected interview were passing through his mind, an inner door opened, and an attendant signed for Jacopo to advance.

below the surround or below the normal position

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading While conjectures on the probable result of the expected interview were passing through his mind, an inner door opened, and an attendant signed for Jacopo to advance.

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

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

used to form the superlative

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

past form of “name” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

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

From this reading The reader has probably anticipated, that Antonio was now standing in an antechamber of the secret and stern tribunal described in the preceding chapter.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The reader has probably anticipated, that Antonio was now standing in an antechamber of the secret and stern tribunal described in the preceding chapter.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading While conjectures on the probable result of the expected interview were passing through his mind, an inner door opened, and an attendant signed for Jacopo to advance.

on one occasion

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading While conjectures on the probable result of the expected interview were passing through his mind, an inner door opened, and an attendant signed for Jacopo to advance.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading While conjectures on the probable result of the expected interview were passing through his mind, an inner door opened, and an attendant signed for Jacopo to advance.

a person of refined upbringing and manners

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

having a point

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

possession of controlling influence

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

existing or coming before

From this reading The reader has probably anticipated, that Antonio was now standing in an antechamber of the secret and stern tribunal described in the preceding chapter.

likely but not certain to be or become true or real

From this reading While conjectures on the probable result of the expected interview were passing through his mind, an inner door opened, and an attendant signed for Jacopo to advance.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading The reader has probably anticipated, that Antonio was now standing in an antechamber of the secret and stern tribunal described in the preceding chapter.

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading The reader has probably anticipated, that Antonio was now standing in an antechamber of the secret and stern tribunal described in the preceding chapter.

a political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading While conjectures on the probable result of the expected interview were passing through his mind, an inner door opened, and an attendant signed for Jacopo to advance.

United States humorist remembered for his homespun commentary on politics and American society (1879-1935)

From this reading ROGERS.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading The reader has probably anticipated, that Antonio was now standing in an antechamber of the secret and stern tribunal described in the preceding chapter.

having a handwritten signature

From this reading While conjectures on the probable result of the expected interview were passing through his mind, an inner door opened, and an attendant signed for Jacopo to advance.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

having a supporting base

From this reading The reader has probably anticipated, that Antonio was now standing in an antechamber of the secret and stern tribunal described in the preceding chapter.

of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect

From this reading The reader has probably anticipated, that Antonio was now standing in an antechamber of the secret and stern tribunal described in the preceding chapter.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

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

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading While conjectures on the probable result of the expected interview were passing through his mind, an inner door opened, and an attendant signed for Jacopo to advance.

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

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading The reader has probably anticipated, that Antonio was now standing in an antechamber of the secret and stern tribunal described in the preceding chapter.

the deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

directed up

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

not clearly expressed or understood

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

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

From this reading The reader has probably anticipated, that Antonio was now standing in an antechamber of the secret and stern tribunal described in the preceding chapter.

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

From this reading While conjectures on the probable result of the expected interview were passing through his mind, an inner door opened, and an attendant signed for Jacopo to advance.

in or at the place that

From this reading "A power that if but named In casual converse, be it where it might, The speaker lowered at once his voice, his eyes, And pointed upward as at God in heaven."

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

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.

during the time that

From this reading While conjectures on the probable result of the expected interview were passing through his mind, an inner door opened, and an attendant signed for Jacopo to advance.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In common with all of his class, the fisherman had a vague idea of the existence, and of the attributes, of the council before which he was to appear; but his simple apprehension was far from comprehending the extent or the nature of functions that equally took cognizance of the most important interests of the Republic, and of the more trifling concerns of a patrician family.