Chapter V

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

From this reading The Carnegy boys and Ned were in the same class at Sunday school, a class taught by Theo.

the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

at or in the front

From this reading BREAKERS AHEAD Ned Dempster was certainly the sharpest of all the boys in Northbourne.

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

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

(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 BREAKERS AHEAD Ned Dempster was certainly the sharpest of all the boys in Northbourne.

past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

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

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

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

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

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

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The Carnegy boys and Ned were in the same class at Sunday school, a class taught by Theo.

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

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

-ing form of “attract” — direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

dried out by heat or excessive exposure to sunlight

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

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

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading BREAKERS AHEAD Ned Dempster was certainly the sharpest of all the boys in Northbourne.

waves breaking on the shore

From this reading BREAKERS AHEAD Ned Dempster was certainly the sharpest of all the boys in Northbourne.

with brightness

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The Carnegy boys and Ned were in the same class at Sunday school, a class taught by Theo.

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

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

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

From this reading BREAKERS AHEAD Ned Dempster was certainly the sharpest of all the boys in Northbourne.

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading The Carnegy boys and Ned were in the same class at Sunday school, a class taught by Theo.

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

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

-ing form of “comprise” — be composed of

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

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

From this reading BREAKERS AHEAD Ned Dempster was certainly the sharpest of all the boys in Northbourne.

the state of something that has been unused and neglected

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

a woman who is a native or inhabitant of England

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

considered likely or probable to happen or arrive

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

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

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

something considered choice to eat

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

the mother of your father or mother

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

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

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

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

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

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

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

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

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

not in action or at work

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

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

From this reading BREAKERS AHEAD Ned Dempster was certainly the sharpest of all the boys in Northbourne.

in an incorrigible manner

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

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

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

a boy or man

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

mentally sluggish

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

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

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

as might be expected

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

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

From this reading BREAKERS AHEAD Ned Dempster was certainly the sharpest of all the boys in Northbourne.

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

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

plural of “neighbour” — a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

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

From this reading BREAKERS AHEAD Ned Dempster was certainly the sharpest of all the boys in Northbourne.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading BREAKERS AHEAD Ned Dempster was certainly the sharpest of all the boys in Northbourne.

superlative of “old” — (used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

and nothing more

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

a child who has lost both parents

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

become destroyed by water, air, or a corrosive such as an acid

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

a compound formed by replacing hydrogen in an acid by a metal (or a radical that acts like a metal)

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

Identical; not different.

From this reading The Carnegy boys and Ned were in the same class at Sunday school, a class taught by Theo.

express in words

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

an educational institution

From this reading The Carnegy boys and Ned were in the same class at Sunday school, a class taught by Theo.

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

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

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

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

superlative of “sharp” — (of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading BREAKERS AHEAD Ned Dempster was certainly the sharpest of all the boys in Northbourne.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

a natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading The Carnegy boys and Ned were in the same class at Sunday school, a class taught by Theo.

natural abilities or qualities

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading The Carnegy boys and Ned were in the same class at Sunday school, a class taught by Theo.

a person whose occupation is teaching

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

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

From this reading BREAKERS AHEAD Ned Dempster was certainly the sharpest of all the boys in Northbourne.

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

From this reading The Carnegy boys and Ned were in the same class at Sunday school, a class taught by Theo.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

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

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

up to a particular time

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

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

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

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

From this reading BREAKERS AHEAD Ned Dempster was certainly the sharpest of all the boys in Northbourne.

(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 The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

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

From this reading The Carnegy boys and Ned were in the same class at Sunday school, a class taught by Theo.

which person or people

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

belonging to which person

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Naturally sharp, that is to say, for he, in common with Alick Carnegy, was incorrigibly idle, and Ned's talent of ability was therefore allowed to rust from disuse.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading The rest of the boys comprising it being dull and lumpish, it was only to be expected that a sharp-witted lad like Ned stood out brilliantly from his neighbours, attracting by his intelligence the attention of his teacher as well as her young brothers.

a native or inhabitant of Zealand

From this reading Ned Dempster was an orphan who had been brought up by his grandmother, Goody Dempster, the oldest inhabitant of the little fishing-village, an aged woman whose skin was baked brown by the sun and the salt sea-breezes until she had more the appearance of a New Zealander than an Englishwoman.