Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

be able to spare or give up

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

later than; following

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

a quantity of money

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

something causing misery or death

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

for the reason that

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

inflected form of “buy” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

a substance added to soaps or detergents to increase their cleansing action

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

suitable to or characteristic of drama

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

the act of departing

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

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 From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

plural of “lead” — an advantage held by a competitor in a race

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

having notes of fixed rhythmic value

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

a conditional conveyance of property as security for the repayment of a loan

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

a form of address for a man

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

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

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

many times at short intervals

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

and nothing more

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

coated with paint

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

to some extent; in some degree; not wholly

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. (Triết học, đạo lý nhân sinh.)

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

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

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

disposed of to a purchaser

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

your usual mood

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

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

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

in or at that place or location

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

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

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

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

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

travel across or pass over

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading They could never have afforded, in the beginning, to possess it had it not been sold, under mortgage, at a dramatic sacrifice.

except if; if not

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

precisely as stated

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

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

From this reading From the day she stepped into it Mrs Murchison knew that the Plummer Place was going to be the bane of her existence.

past form of “weld” — join together by heating

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

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

From this reading But there were other reasons more difficult to traverse: it was plainly true that the place did require a tremendous amount of “looking after,” as such things were measured in Elgin, far more looking after than the Murchisons could afford to give it.

at the time that

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

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

From this reading This may have been partly because Mr Murchison had bought it, since a circumstance welded like that into one’s life is very apt to assume the character of a bane, unless one’s temperament leads one to philosophy, which Mrs Murchison’s didn’t.

a Caucasian

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

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

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading The house was a dignified old affair, built of wood and painted white, with wide green verandahs compassing the four sides of it, as they often did in days when the builder had only to turn his hand to the forest.