Chapter XVIII

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

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

the state of being absent

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

any specific behavior

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

anew

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

(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 But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

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

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

the condition of living or the state of being alive

From this reading It seems but the utter exclusion of all mortal things, as if the animation of clay were over, and the noiseless reign of spirit were begun.

destruction by annihilating something

From this reading But it brings with it no idea of annihilation.

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

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

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

From this reading The whole castle of Ehrenstein was still as the grave.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading It seems but the utter exclusion of all mortal things, as if the animation of clay were over, and the noiseless reign of spirit were begun.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

a slight wind (usually refreshing)

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

third-person singular of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading But it brings with it no idea of annihilation.

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading The whole castle of Ehrenstein was still as the grave.

a very fine-grained soil that is plastic when moist but hard when fired

From this reading It seems but the utter exclusion of all mortal things, as if the animation of clay were over, and the noiseless reign of spirit were begun.

comparative of “dead” — no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

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

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

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

From this reading The whole castle of Ehrenstein was still as the grave.

at any time

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

the state of being excluded

From this reading It seems but the utter exclusion of all mortal things, as if the animation of clay were over, and the noiseless reign of spirit were begun.

having existence or being or actuality

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

death of a person

From this reading The whole castle of Ehrenstein was still as the grave.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

sing with closed lips

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

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

From this reading But it brings with it no idea of annihilation.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

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

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

a quantity that is added

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

plural of “insect” — small air-breathing arthropod

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

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

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

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

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

engage in

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

subject to death

From this reading It seems but the utter exclusion of all mortal things, as if the animation of clay were over, and the noiseless reign of spirit were begun.

plural of “murmur” — a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

European songbird noted for its melodious nocturnal song

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

not any; not one

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

making no sound

From this reading It seems but the utter exclusion of all mortal things, as if the animation of clay were over, and the noiseless reign of spirit were begun.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The whole castle of Ehrenstein was still as the grave.

and nothing more

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

above and across; more than

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

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

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

to a great depth psychologically or emotionally

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

have sovereign power

From this reading It seems but the utter exclusion of all mortal things, as if the animation of clay were over, and the noiseless reign of spirit were begun.

only a very short time before

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

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

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

third-person singular of “speak” — express in speech

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading It seems but the utter exclusion of all mortal things, as if the animation of clay were over, and the noiseless reign of spirit were begun.

not in physical motion

From this reading The whole castle of Ehrenstein was still as the grave.

(poetic) tranquil silence

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

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

From this reading The whole castle of Ehrenstein was still as the grave.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading It seems but the utter exclusion of all mortal things, as if the animation of clay were over, and the noiseless reign of spirit were begun.

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

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

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

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise

From this reading It seems but the utter exclusion of all mortal things, as if the animation of clay were over, and the noiseless reign of spirit were begun.

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

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

be awake, be alert, be there

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.

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

From this reading The whole castle of Ehrenstein was still as the grave.

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

From this reading It seems but the utter exclusion of all mortal things, as if the animation of clay were over, and the noiseless reign of spirit were begun.

at the time that

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

speaking softly without vibration of the vocal cords

From this reading There are times when distant murmurs of busy life, when the hum of insects in the air, when the scarce heard voice of the distant nightingale, when the whisper of a passing breeze, that speaks as if but to make the stillness felt, seem to increase the sensation of the silence.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading The whole castle of Ehrenstein was still as the grave.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But it brings with it no idea of annihilation.

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

From this reading But there is a deeper, deader silence than that, when all is so profoundly tranquil that it seems as if no sound would ever wake again, when death itself seems powerful over all; and the absence of all activity makes us feel as if our own being was the only living principle left existent upon earth.