Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

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

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

plural of “advance” — a movement forward

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

moving forward

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

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

From this reading You know, perhaps, that sound is caused by vibration in the air.

(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 Now, the spectroscope has changed all this, and we can tell quite as certainly if a star is coming toward us as we can if it moves to one side.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

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

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

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

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Now, the spectroscope has changed all this, and we can tell quite as certainly if a star is coming toward us as we can if it moves to one side.

an occurrence of something

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally

From this reading You know, perhaps, that sound is caused by vibration in the air.

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

From this reading Now, the spectroscope has changed all this, and we can tell quite as certainly if a star is coming toward us as we can if it moves to one side.

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading Now, the spectroscope has changed all this, and we can tell quite as certainly if a star is coming toward us as we can if it moves to one side.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Now, the spectroscope has changed all this, and we can tell quite as certainly if a star is coming toward us as we can if it moves to one side.

the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

the property created by the space between two objects or points

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

make plain and comprehensible

From this reading I will try to explain this.

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

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

plural of “get” — a return on a shot that seemed impossible to reach and would normally have resulted in a point for the opponent

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

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

From this reading Now, the spectroscope has changed all this, and we can tell quite as certainly if a star is coming toward us as we can if it moves to one side.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

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

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I will try to explain this.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

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

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

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

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

the cognitive process of reaching a decision or drawing conclusions

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

plural of “lie” — a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

plural of “move” — the act of deciding to do something

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

not any; not one

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

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

From this reading Now, the spectroscope has changed all this, and we can tell quite as certainly if a star is coming toward us as we can if it moves to one side.

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

and nothing more

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

by chance

From this reading You know, perhaps, that sound is caused by vibration in the air.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Now, the spectroscope has changed all this, and we can tell quite as certainly if a star is coming toward us as we can if it moves to one side.

third-person singular of “recede” — pull back or move away or backward

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

past form of “remark” — make mention of

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

To recall to mind.

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

worried and uneasy

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

marked by correspondence or resemblance

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

plural of “size” — the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

small or little relative to something else

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading You know, perhaps, that sound is caused by vibration in the air.

an optical instrument for spectrographic analysis

From this reading Now, the spectroscope has changed all this, and we can tell quite as certainly if a star is coming toward us as we can if it moves to one side.

(astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

carry out

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

express in words

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

disclosing unintentionally something concealed

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

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

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

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

From this reading Now, the spectroscope has changed all this, and we can tell quite as certainly if a star is coming toward us as we can if it moves to one side.

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

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

in the direction of

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

make an effort or attempt

From this reading I will try to explain this.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

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

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

precisely as stated

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

the act of vibrating

From this reading You know, perhaps, that sound is caused by vibration in the air.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading It is, to take another similar case, easy enough to tell if a star moves to one side or the other, but very difficult by ordinary observation to tell if it is advancing toward us or running away from us, for the only means we have of judging is if it gets larger or smaller, and at that enormous distance the fact whether it advances or recedes makes no difference in its size.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading I will try to explain this.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading RESTLESS STARS You remember we have already remarked upon the difficulty of telling how far one star lies behind another, as we do not know their sizes.