Chapter X

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

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

conforming to your own liking or feelings or nature

From this reading "And so," said the bland old gentleman, raising himself languidly on his hollowed slab of stone, "and so you find the company of the ladies more agreeable than mine?

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading How did you leave them all in the temple of Lal?"

a feeling of delight at being entertained

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

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

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

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

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

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

From this reading It would be impossible to indicate the sly mockery which rustled in his tone.

lacking taste or flavor or tang

From this reading "And so," said the bland old gentleman, raising himself languidly on his hollowed slab of stone, "and so you find the company of the ladies more agreeable than mine?

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

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading "And so," said the bland old gentleman, raising himself languidly on his hollowed slab of stone, "and so you find the company of the ladies more agreeable than mine?

believing the worst of human nature and motives; having a sneering disbelief in e.g. selflessness of others

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

past form of “dance” — move in a graceful and rhythmical way

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

give a description of

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

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

From this reading How did you leave them all in the temple of Lal?"

an inclination to withhold approval from some person or group

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

the feeling of despair in the face of obstacles

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading I do not wonder.

opinion or judgment

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading "And so," said the bland old gentleman, raising himself languidly on his hollowed slab of stone, "and so you find the company of the ladies more agreeable than mine?

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

A hot glowing body of ignited gas produced by fire.

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

past form of “flicker” — move back and forth very rapidly

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

a man of refinement

From this reading "And so," said the bland old gentleman, raising himself languidly on his hollowed slab of stone, "and so you find the company of the ladies more agreeable than mine?

a person who does not acknowledge your god

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

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

From this reading "And so," said the bland old gentleman, raising himself languidly on his hollowed slab of stone, "and so you find the company of the ladies more agreeable than mine?

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

From this reading "And so," said the bland old gentleman, raising himself languidly on his hollowed slab of stone, "and so you find the company of the ladies more agreeable than mine?

past form of “hollow” — remove the inner part or the core of

From this reading "And so," said the bland old gentleman, raising himself languidly on his hollowed slab of stone, "and so you find the company of the ladies more agreeable than mine?

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

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

From this reading How did you leave them all in the temple of Lal?"

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

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading It would be impossible to indicate the sly mockery which rustled in his tone.

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

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading It would be impossible to indicate the sly mockery which rustled in his tone.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It would be impossible to indicate the sly mockery which rustled in his tone.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading "And so," said the bland old gentleman, raising himself languidly on his hollowed slab of stone, "and so you find the company of the ladies more agreeable than mine?

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

From this reading How did you leave them all in the temple of Lal?"

in a languid and lethargic manner

From this reading "And so," said the bland old gentleman, raising himself languidly on his hollowed slab of stone, "and so you find the company of the ladies more agreeable than mine?

go away from a place

From this reading How did you leave them all in the temple of Lal?"

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

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

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "And so," said the bland old gentleman, raising himself languidly on his hollowed slab of stone, "and so you find the company of the ladies more agreeable than mine?

showing your contempt by derision

From this reading It would be impossible to indicate the sly mockery which rustled in his tone.

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

From this reading "And so," said the bland old gentleman, raising himself languidly on his hollowed slab of stone, "and so you find the company of the ladies more agreeable than mine?

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I do not wonder.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

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

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "And so," said the bland old gentleman, raising himself languidly on his hollowed slab of stone, "and so you find the company of the ladies more agreeable than mine?

a person disposed to take a favorable view of things

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

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

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

the event of something being raised upward

From this reading "And so," said the bland old gentleman, raising himself languidly on his hollowed slab of stone, "and so you find the company of the ladies more agreeable than mine?

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

From this reading It would be impossible to indicate the sly mockery which rustled in his tone.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "And so," said the bland old gentleman, raising himself languidly on his hollowed slab of stone, "and so you find the company of the ladies more agreeable than mine?

block consisting of a thick piece of something

From this reading "And so," said the bland old gentleman, raising himself languidly on his hollowed slab of stone, "and so you find the company of the ladies more agreeable than mine?

lie obliquely

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

marked by skill in deception

From this reading It would be impossible to indicate the sly mockery which rustled in his tone.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "And so," said the bland old gentleman, raising himself languidly on his hollowed slab of stone, "and so you find the company of the ladies more agreeable than mine?

a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter

From this reading "And so," said the bland old gentleman, raising himself languidly on his hollowed slab of stone, "and so you find the company of the ladies more agreeable than mine?

place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading "And so," said the bland old gentleman, raising himself languidly on his hollowed slab of stone, "and so you find the company of the ladies more agreeable than mine?

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

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

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading How did you leave them all in the temple of Lal?"

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

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

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

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

the quality of a person's voice

From this reading It would be impossible to indicate the sly mockery which rustled in his tone.

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

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

never dying

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

in or at the place that

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

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

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

in the company of; together with

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading I do not wonder.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading It would be impossible to indicate the sly mockery which rustled in his tone.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading AN OPTIMIST I cannot hope to describe to you my dismay at finding myself back in that ancient temple of Tzin Piaôu, nor the dislike with which I looked into the eyes of that old heathen priest, those slant eyes where cynical amusement, like a little, undying flame, danced and flickered.