Chapter III

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

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."

consider or hold as true

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome

From this reading At the age of sixteen, Richard Jefferies had an adventure--almost the only adventure of his quiet life.

how long something has existed

From this reading At the age of sixteen, Richard Jefferies had an adventure--almost the only adventure of his quiet life.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading At the age of sixteen, Richard Jefferies had an adventure--almost the only adventure of his quiet life.

in addition

From this reading He was also a boy, as we have seen, who had the power of imposing his own imagination upon others, even those of sluggish temperament--as Don Quixote overpowered the slow brain of Sancho Panza.

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

From this reading At the age of sixteen, Richard Jefferies had an adventure--almost the only adventure of his quiet life.

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

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."

(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

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

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At the age of sixteen, Richard Jefferies had an adventure--almost the only adventure of his quiet life.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

a youthful male person

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord

From this reading He was also a boy, as we have seen, who had the power of imposing his own imagination upon others, even those of sluggish temperament--as Don Quixote overpowered the slow brain of Sancho Panza.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."

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

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."

plural of “danger” — the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."

a Spanish gentleman or nobleman

From this reading He was also a boy, as we have seen, who had the power of imposing his own imagination upon others, even those of sluggish temperament--as Don Quixote overpowered the slow brain of Sancho Panza.

with eagerness; in an eager manner

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

divisible by two

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

a social unit living together

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

be a farmer; work as a farmer

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

yet to be or coming

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

a long narrow furrow cut either by a natural process (such as erosion) or by a tool (as e.g. a groove in a phonograph record)

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

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

From this reading At the age of sixteen, Richard Jefferies had an adventure--almost the only adventure of his quiet life.

come to pass

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He was also a boy, as we have seen, who had the power of imposing his own imagination upon others, even those of sluggish temperament--as Don Quixote overpowered the slow brain of Sancho Panza.

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

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

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

From this reading At the age of sixteen, Richard Jefferies had an adventure--almost the only adventure of his quiet life.

plural of “idea” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."

impressive in appearance

From this reading He was also a boy, as we have seen, who had the power of imposing his own imagination upon others, even those of sluggish temperament--as Don Quixote overpowered the slow brain of Sancho Panza.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."

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

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

aroused to impatience or anger

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."

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

From this reading At the age of sixteen, Richard Jefferies had an adventure--almost the only adventure of his quiet life.

a boy or man

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading At the age of sixteen, Richard Jefferies had an adventure--almost the only adventure of his quiet life.

plural of “limit” — the greatest possible degree of something

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

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

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

having or revealing supreme mastery or skill

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

make or become more narrow or restricted

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

not any; not one

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading At the age of sixteen, Richard Jefferies had an adventure--almost the only adventure of his quiet life.

and nothing more

From this reading At the age of sixteen, Richard Jefferies had an adventure--almost the only adventure of his quiet life.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."

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

From this reading He was also a boy, as we have seen, who had the power of imposing his own imagination upon others, even those of sluggish temperament--as Don Quixote overpowered the slow brain of Sancho Panza.

past form of “overpower” — overcome by superior force

From this reading He was also a boy, as we have seen, who had the power of imposing his own imagination upon others, even those of sluggish temperament--as Don Quixote overpowered the slow brain of Sancho Panza.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

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

From this reading He was also a boy, as we have seen, who had the power of imposing his own imagination upon others, even those of sluggish temperament--as Don Quixote overpowered the slow brain of Sancho Panza.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading He was also a boy, as we have seen, who had the power of imposing his own imagination upon others, even those of sluggish temperament--as Don Quixote overpowered the slow brain of Sancho Panza.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading At the age of sixteen, Richard Jefferies had an adventure--almost the only adventure of his quiet life.

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

From this reading He was also a boy, as we have seen, who had the power of imposing his own imagination upon others, even those of sluggish temperament--as Don Quixote overpowered the slow brain of Sancho Panza.

-ing form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."

past form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

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

From this reading At the age of sixteen, Richard Jefferies had an adventure--almost the only adventure of his quiet life.

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

From this reading He was also a boy, as we have seen, who had the power of imposing his own imagination upon others, even those of sluggish temperament--as Don Quixote overpowered the slow brain of Sancho Panza.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading He was also a boy, as we have seen, who had the power of imposing his own imagination upon others, even those of sluggish temperament--as Don Quixote overpowered the slow brain of Sancho Panza.

habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

being one more than fifteen

From this reading SIXTEEN TO TWENTY.

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading He was also a boy, as we have seen, who had the power of imposing his own imagination upon others, even those of sluggish temperament--as Don Quixote overpowered the slow brain of Sancho Panza.

moving slowly

From this reading He was also a boy, as we have seen, who had the power of imposing his own imagination upon others, even those of sluggish temperament--as Don Quixote overpowered the slow brain of Sancho Panza.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

your usual mood

From this reading He was also a boy, as we have seen, who had the power of imposing his own imagination upon others, even those of sluggish temperament--as Don Quixote overpowered the slow brain of Sancho Panza.

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

From this reading At the age of sixteen, Richard Jefferies had an adventure--almost the only adventure of his quiet life.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

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

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

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

From this reading SIXTEEN TO TWENTY.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading SIXTEEN TO TWENTY.

conforming to the same principles or course of action over time

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

not common or ordinarily encountered; unusually great in amount or remarkable in character or kind

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading He was also a boy, as we have seen, who had the power of imposing his own imagination upon others, even those of sluggish temperament--as Don Quixote overpowered the slow brain of Sancho Panza.

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

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading He was also a boy, as we have seen, who had the power of imposing his own imagination upon others, even those of sluggish temperament--as Don Quixote overpowered the slow brain of Sancho Panza.

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

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

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

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."

which person or people

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

belonging to which person

From this reading At this time he was a long and loose-limbed lad, regarded by his own family as at least an uncommon youth and a subject of anxiety as to his future, a boy who talked eagerly of things far beyond the limits of the farm, who was self-willed and masterful, whose ideas astonished and even irritated those whose thoughts were accustomed to move in a narrow, unchanging groove.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."

a young person (especially a young man or boy)

From this reading It was an adventure which could only happen to a youth of strong imagination, capable of seeing no difficulties or dangers, and refusing to accept the word "impossible."