Chapter XV

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

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

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

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

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

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

eagerly desirous

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He could not mention any town, however distant, of which the situation, history, and mercantile relations were not thoroughly well known to him.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading It is true that Aunt Rikchen could hardly open her mouth without Uncle Ernst cutting short the thread of the story.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

including all or everything

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

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

From this reading It is true that Aunt Rikchen could hardly open her mouth without Uncle Ernst cutting short the thread of the story.

the activity of selecting the scenes to be shown and putting them together to create a film

From this reading It is true that Aunt Rikchen could hardly open her mouth without Uncle Ernst cutting short the thread of the story.

the extent downward or backward or inward

From this reading During their conversation, Reinhold had many opportunities of observing the unusual extent and depth of his uncle's knowledge.

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

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading He could not mention any town, however distant, of which the situation, history, and mercantile relations were not thoroughly well known to him.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

painter (born in Germany, resident of France and the United States) who was a cofounder of dadaism; developed the technique of collage (1891-1976)

From this reading It is true that Aunt Rikchen could hardly open her mouth without Uncle Ernst cutting short the thread of the story.

past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

the point or degree to which something extends

From this reading During their conversation, Reinhold had many opportunities of observing the unusual extent and depth of his uncle's knowledge.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

plural of “fear” — an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)

From this reading Luckily, however, it seemed that his fears were groundless.

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

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

without a basis in reason or fact

From this reading Luckily, however, it seemed that his fears were groundless.

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

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

only a very short time before

From this reading It is true that Aunt Rikchen could hardly open her mouth without Uncle Ernst cutting short the thread of the story.

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

From this reading He could not mention any town, however distant, of which the situation, history, and mercantile relations were not thoroughly well known to him.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading It is true that Aunt Rikchen could hardly open her mouth without Uncle Ernst cutting short the thread of the story.

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

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

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

From this reading Luckily, however, it seemed that his fears were groundless.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading He could not mention any town, however distant, of which the situation, history, and mercantile relations were not thoroughly well known to him.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Luckily, however, it seemed that his fears were groundless.

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

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

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

From this reading It is true that Aunt Rikchen could hardly open her mouth without Uncle Ernst cutting short the thread of the story.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Luckily, however, it seemed that his fears were groundless.

become part of; become a member of a group or organization

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading During their conversation, Reinhold had many opportunities of observing the unusual extent and depth of his uncle's knowledge.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading He could not mention any town, however distant, of which the situation, history, and mercantile relations were not thoroughly well known to him.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

past form of “listen” — hear with intention

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

by good fortune

From this reading Luckily, however, it seemed that his fears were groundless.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

make reference to

From this reading He could not mention any town, however distant, of which the situation, history, and mercantile relations were not thoroughly well known to him.

of or relating to the economic system of mercantilism

From this reading He could not mention any town, however distant, of which the situation, history, and mercantile relations were not thoroughly well known to him.

inflected form of “meet” — come together

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading It is true that Aunt Rikchen could hardly open her mouth without Uncle Ernst cutting short the thread of the story.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

not any; not one

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

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

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception

From this reading During their conversation, Reinhold had many opportunities of observing the unusual extent and depth of his uncle's knowledge.

come into possession of

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It is true that Aunt Rikchen could hardly open her mouth without Uncle Ernst cutting short the thread of the story.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading It is true that Aunt Rikchen could hardly open her mouth without Uncle Ernst cutting short the thread of the story.

plural of “opportunity” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading During their conversation, Reinhold had many opportunities of observing the unusual extent and depth of his uncle's knowledge.

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

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups

From this reading He could not mention any town, however distant, of which the situation, history, and mercantile relations were not thoroughly well known to him.

unusual or striking

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

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

From this reading It is true that Aunt Rikchen could hardly open her mouth without Uncle Ernst cutting short the thread of the story.

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

From this reading Luckily, however, it seemed that his fears were groundless.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading It is true that Aunt Rikchen could hardly open her mouth without Uncle Ernst cutting short the thread of the story.

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading He could not mention any town, however distant, of which the situation, history, and mercantile relations were not thoroughly well known to him.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading It is true that Aunt Rikchen could hardly open her mouth without Uncle Ernst cutting short the thread of the story.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Luckily, however, it seemed that his fears were groundless.

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

From this reading It is true that Aunt Rikchen could hardly open her mouth without Uncle Ernst cutting short the thread of the story.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading During their conversation, Reinhold had many opportunities of observing the unusual extent and depth of his uncle's knowledge.

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

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

in an exhaustive manner

From this reading He could not mention any town, however distant, of which the situation, history, and mercantile relations were not thoroughly well known to him.

to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course

From this reading It is true that Aunt Rikchen could hardly open her mouth without Uncle Ernst cutting short the thread of the story.

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

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading He could not mention any town, however distant, of which the situation, history, and mercantile relations were not thoroughly well known to him.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading It is true that Aunt Rikchen could hardly open her mouth without Uncle Ernst cutting short the thread of the story.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading It is true that Aunt Rikchen could hardly open her mouth without Uncle Ernst cutting short the thread of the story.

possessive form of “uncle” — the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading During their conversation, Reinhold had many opportunities of observing the unusual extent and depth of his uncle's knowledge.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading During their conversation, Reinhold had many opportunities of observing the unusual extent and depth of his uncle's knowledge.

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

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

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

From this reading He could not mention any town, however distant, of which the situation, history, and mercantile relations were not thoroughly well known to him.

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

From this reading Luckily, however, it seemed that his fears were groundless.

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

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading It is true that Aunt Rikchen could hardly open her mouth without Uncle Ernst cutting short the thread of the story.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.

a late time of life

From this reading Nor did Ferdinanda join much in the conversation; but that at first was not so remarkable, and was easily explained by the fact that Uncle Ernst was most anxious to obtain from Reinhold a comprehensive account of his life and adventures during the many years in which they had not met, and listened to him with attention that would admit of no interruption.