Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

recognized or made known or admitted

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

the second largest continent; located to the south of Europe and bordered to the west by the South Atlantic and to the east by the Indian Ocean

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

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

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

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

From this reading "You can get one without an order at the beginning of each term," said he, in a thick, rasping voice.

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

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

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

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

a distinct feature or element in a problem

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "You can get one without an order at the beginning of each term," said he, in a thick, rasping voice.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading "You can get one without an order at the beginning of each term," said he, in a thick, rasping voice.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

muscular and heavily built

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading Then his house-master, Rutford, had told John where to buy his first straw hat.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading "You can get one without an order at the beginning of each term," said he, in a thick, rasping voice.

superlative of “dark” — devoid of or deficient in light or brightness; shadowed or black

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

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

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading "You can get one without an order at the beginning of each term," said he, in a thick, rasping voice.

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

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

past form of “exercise” — put to use

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

someone who travels into little known regions (especially for some scientific purpose)

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

in an exultant manner

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Then his house-master, Rutford, had told John where to buy his first straw hat.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading "You can get one without an order at the beginning of each term," said he, in a thick, rasping voice.

any creature of exceptional size

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

in a grudging manner

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

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

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim

From this reading Then his house-master, Rutford, had told John where to buy his first straw hat.

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

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

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

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

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

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

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

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

term of address for a disrespectful and annoying male

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

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

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

attraction for iron; associated with electric currents as well as magnets; characterized by fields of force

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

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

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

absolutely essential

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "You can get one without an order at the beginning of each term," said he, in a thick, rasping voice.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading "You can get one without an order at the beginning of each term," said he, in a thick, rasping voice.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

by chance

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

with pride; in a proud manner

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

unpleasantly harsh or grating in sound

From this reading "You can get one without an order at the beginning of each term," said he, in a thick, rasping voice.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

-ing form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

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

From this reading Then his house-master, Rutford, had told John where to buy his first straw hat.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder

From this reading Then his house-master, Rutford, had told John where to buy his first straw hat.

the quality of being superior

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

great in vertical dimension; high in stature

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

a word or expression used for some particular thing

From this reading "You can get one without an order at the beginning of each term," said he, in a thick, rasping voice.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

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

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then his house-master, Rutford, had told John where to buy his first straw hat.

not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions

From this reading "You can get one without an order at the beginning of each term," said he, in a thick, rasping voice.

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

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

defiantly aggressive

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

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

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Here, the explorer had exercised his peculiar personal magnetism upon the house-master, a tall, burly man of truculent aspect and speech.

occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

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

From this reading "You can get one without an order at the beginning of each term," said he, in a thick, rasping voice.

past form of “wander” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

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

From this reading John realized proudly that his uncle was the bigger of the two, and that the giant acknowledged, perhaps grudgingly, the dwarf's superiority, The talk, short enough, had wandered into Darkest Africa.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

in or at the place that

From this reading Then his house-master, Rutford, had told John where to buy his first straw hat.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading "You can get one without an order at the beginning of each term," said he, in a thick, rasping voice.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading His uncle, as usual, said little, replying almost in monosyllables to the questions of his host; but John junior told himself exultantly that it was not necessary for Uncle John to talk; the wide world knew what he had done.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "You can get one without an order at the beginning of each term," said he, in a thick, rasping voice.