Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

filled with fear or apprehension

From this reading Upon him had been fastened the hopes even of the Gregoriev serfs, who were as devoted to him and to his mother as they were miserably afraid of their master.

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

From this reading An hour's observation was enough to make plain the fact that Ivan had in him not one of his father's characteristics.

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

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

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

From this reading Despite the fact that solitude was as much the keynote of his existence as of that of his father and mother, many eyes were concentrated upon the development, spiritual and mental, of Ivan Gregoriev.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Upon him had been fastened the hopes even of the Gregoriev serfs, who were as devoted to him and to his mother as they were miserably afraid of their master.

plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

confined by bonds

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

a youthful male person

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

plural of “characteristic” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading An hour's observation was enough to make plain the fact that Ivan had in him not one of his father's characteristics.

the time of person's life when they are a child

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

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

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

gathered together or made less diffuse

From this reading Despite the fact that solitude was as much the keynote of his existence as of that of his father and mother, many eyes were concentrated upon the development, spiritual and mental, of Ivan Gregoriev.

although something is true; in spite of

From this reading Despite the fact that solitude was as much the keynote of his existence as of that of his father and mother, many eyes were concentrated upon the development, spiritual and mental, of Ivan Gregoriev.

an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining

From this reading Despite the fact that solitude was as much the keynote of his existence as of that of his father and mother, many eyes were concentrated upon the development, spiritual and mental, of Ivan Gregoriev.

zealous in devotion or affection

From this reading Upon him had been fastened the hopes even of the Gregoriev serfs, who were as devoted to him and to his mother as they were miserably afraid of their master.

diverging from another or from a standard

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

inflected form of “dwell” — think moodily or anxiously about something

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

coming next after the tenth and just before the twelfth in position

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

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

From this reading An hour's observation was enough to make plain the fact that Ivan had in him not one of his father's characteristics.

divisible by two

From this reading Upon him had been fastened the hopes even of the Gregoriev serfs, who were as devoted to him and to his mother as they were miserably afraid of their master.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading Despite the fact that solitude was as much the keynote of his existence as of that of his father and mother, many eyes were concentrated upon the development, spiritual and mental, of Ivan Gregoriev.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Despite the fact that solitude was as much the keynote of his existence as of that of his father and mother, many eyes were concentrated upon the development, spiritual and mental, of Ivan Gregoriev.

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

From this reading Despite the fact that solitude was as much the keynote of his existence as of that of his father and mother, many eyes were concentrated upon the development, spiritual and mental, of Ivan Gregoriev.

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

firmly closed or secured

From this reading Upon him had been fastened the hopes even of the Gregoriev serfs, who were as devoted to him and to his mother as they were miserably afraid of their master.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Despite the fact that solitude was as much the keynote of his existence as of that of his father and mother, many eyes were concentrated upon the development, spiritual and mental, of Ivan Gregoriev.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading An hour's observation was enough to make plain the fact that Ivan had in him not one of his father's characteristics.

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

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

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

From this reading Upon him had been fastened the hopes even of the Gregoriev serfs, who were as devoted to him and to his mother as they were miserably afraid of their master.

A person legally or magically entitled to the property or rank of another on that person's death.

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

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

From this reading Upon him had been fastened the hopes even of the Gregoriev serfs, who were as devoted to him and to his mother as they were miserably afraid of their master.

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

From this reading Despite the fact that solitude was as much the keynote of his existence as of that of his father and mother, many eyes were concentrated upon the development, spiritual and mental, of Ivan Gregoriev.

plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading Upon him had been fastened the hopes even of the Gregoriev serfs, who were as devoted to him and to his mother as they were miserably afraid of their master.

possessive form of “hour” — a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading An hour's observation was enough to make plain the fact that Ivan had in him not one of his father's characteristics.

unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

(used of persons or artifacts) marked by independence and creativity in thought or action

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

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

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

(chemistry) not participating in a chemical reaction; chemically inert

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

located inward

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

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

From this reading Despite the fact that solitude was as much the keynote of his existence as of that of his father and mother, many eyes were concentrated upon the development, spiritual and mental, of Ivan Gregoriev.

the principal theme in a speech or literary work

From this reading Despite the fact that solitude was as much the keynote of his existence as of that of his father and mother, many eyes were concentrated upon the development, spiritual and mental, of Ivan Gregoriev.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

engage in

From this reading An hour's observation was enough to make plain the fact that Ivan had in him not one of his father's characteristics.

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

From this reading Despite the fact that solitude was as much the keynote of his existence as of that of his father and mother, many eyes were concentrated upon the development, spiritual and mental, of Ivan Gregoriev.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading Upon him had been fastened the hopes even of the Gregoriev serfs, who were as devoted to him and to his mother as they were miserably afraid of their master.

involving the mind or an intellectual process

From this reading Despite the fact that solitude was as much the keynote of his existence as of that of his father and mother, many eyes were concentrated upon the development, spiritual and mental, of Ivan Gregoriev.

in your mind

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

in a miserable manner

From this reading Upon him had been fastened the hopes even of the Gregoriev serfs, who were as devoted to him and to his mother as they were miserably afraid of their master.

used to form the superlative

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Despite the fact that solitude was as much the keynote of his existence as of that of his father and mother, many eyes were concentrated upon the development, spiritual and mental, of Ivan Gregoriev.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Despite the fact that solitude was as much the keynote of his existence as of that of his father and mother, many eyes were concentrated upon the development, spiritual and mental, of Ivan Gregoriev.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading An hour's observation was enough to make plain the fact that Ivan had in him not one of his father's characteristics.

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

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading An hour's observation was enough to make plain the fact that Ivan had in him not one of his father's characteristics.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

the immediate descendants of a person

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading An hour's observation was enough to make plain the fact that Ivan had in him not one of his father's characteristics.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

relating to physical reality rather than with thoughts or the mind

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

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

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

a large and stately mansion

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

of or relating to perception

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

in accord with physical laws

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading An hour's observation was enough to make plain the fact that Ivan had in him not one of his father's characteristics.

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

in a strange but not unpleasant manner

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

plural of “serf” — (Middle Ages) a person who is bound to the land and owned by the feudal lord

From this reading Upon him had been fastened the hopes even of the Gregoriev serfs, who were as devoted to him and to his mother as they were miserably afraid of their master.

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

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

protected from danger or bad weather

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

characterized by or preferring solitude

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

a state of social isolation

From this reading Despite the fact that solitude was as much the keynote of his existence as of that of his father and mother, many eyes were concentrated upon the development, spiritual and mental, of Ivan Gregoriev.

concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church

From this reading Despite the fact that solitude was as much the keynote of his existence as of that of his father and mother, many eyes were concentrated upon the development, spiritual and mental, of Ivan Gregoriev.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

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

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Upon him had been fastened the hopes even of the Gregoriev serfs, who were as devoted to him and to his mother as they were miserably afraid of their master.

in or at that place or location

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

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

From this reading Upon him had been fastened the hopes even of the Gregoriev serfs, who were as devoted to him and to his mother as they were miserably afraid of their master.

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

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

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

From this reading Upon him had been fastened the hopes even of the Gregoriev serfs, who were as devoted to him and to his mother as they were miserably afraid of their master.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

an organization of employees formed to bargain with the employer

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

not in accordance with or determined by nature; contrary to nature

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Despite the fact that solitude was as much the keynote of his existence as of that of his father and mother, many eyes were concentrated upon the development, spiritual and mental, of Ivan Gregoriev.

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

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.

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

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

which person or people

From this reading Upon him had been fastened the hopes even of the Gregoriev serfs, who were as devoted to him and to his mother as they were miserably afraid of their master.

belonging to which person

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

a movable organ for flying (one of a pair)

From this reading THE GREGORIEV HEIR The west wing of the palace in the Serpoukhovskaia sheltered two beings whose outward and inner lives, though divergent in every detail, were nevertheless bound fast together by the most powerful tie of nature and of law.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading But it was at the other end of the huge building that there dwelt the solitary offspring of this unnatural union, a boy now in the eleventh year of childhood, companionless, physically inactive, mentally over-quick, perceptive, and quaintly imaginative.