Chapter XXVIII

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

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

the state of being absent

From this reading It had taken the whole town by surprise, not merely by its unusual ferocity, but by the comparative absence of adequate motive, and by the secrecy with which it had been planned.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading None of the local politicians could account for what was admittedly an organized attack.

having the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task

From this reading It had taken the whole town by surprise, not merely by its unusual ferocity, but by the comparative absence of adequate motive, and by the secrecy with which it had been planned.

as acknowledged

From this reading None of the local politicians could account for what was admittedly an organized attack.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading This was grateful news to Alexia, who had dreaded the worst; nevertheless the ugly, haunting fact remained of a malignant purpose secretly at work against her lover and herself.

inability to perceive written words

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

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

From this reading None of the local politicians could account for what was admittedly an organized attack.

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

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

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

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading This was grateful news to Alexia, who had dreaded the worst; nevertheless the ugly, haunting fact remained of a malignant purpose secretly at work against her lover and herself.

(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)

From this reading None of the local politicians could account for what was admittedly an organized attack.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

exhale hard

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

United States writer of science fiction (born 1920)

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

relating to or based on or involving comparison

From this reading It had taken the whole town by surprise, not merely by its unusual ferocity, but by the comparative absence of adequate motive, and by the secrecy with which it had been planned.

injury to the brain caused by a blow; usually resulting in loss of consciousness

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

a state at a particular time

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

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

From this reading None of the local politicians could account for what was admittedly an organized attack.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

inflected form of “deal” — act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

made known or openly avowed

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading This was grateful news to Alexia, who had dreaded the worst; nevertheless the ugly, haunting fact remained of a malignant purpose secretly at work against her lover and herself.

(comparative and superlative of “early”) more early than; most early

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

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

From this reading This was grateful news to Alexia, who had dreaded the worst; nevertheless the ugly, haunting fact remained of a malignant purpose secretly at work against her lover and herself.

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

the property of being wild or turbulent

From this reading It had taken the whole town by surprise, not merely by its unusual ferocity, but by the comparative absence of adequate motive, and by the secrecy with which it had been planned.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading None of the local politicians could account for what was admittedly an organized attack.

set up or found

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

feeling or showing gratitude

From this reading This was grateful news to Alexia, who had dreaded the worst; nevertheless the ugly, haunting fact remained of a malignant purpose secretly at work against her lover and herself.

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

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

continually recurring to the mind

From this reading This was grateful news to Alexia, who had dreaded the worst; nevertheless the ugly, haunting fact remained of a malignant purpose secretly at work against her lover and herself.

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

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

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

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

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

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading This was grateful news to Alexia, who had dreaded the worst; nevertheless the ugly, haunting fact remained of a malignant purpose secretly at work against her lover and herself.

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

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

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

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

be the source of pain

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

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

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It had taken the whole town by surprise, not merely by its unusual ferocity, but by the comparative absence of adequate motive, and by the secrecy with which it had been planned.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It had taken the whole town by surprise, not merely by its unusual ferocity, but by the comparative absence of adequate motive, and by the secrecy with which it had been planned.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area

From this reading None of the local politicians could account for what was admittedly an organized attack.

a person who loves someone or is loved by someone

From this reading This was grateful news to Alexia, who had dreaded the worst; nevertheless the ugly, haunting fact remained of a malignant purpose secretly at work against her lover and herself.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

dangerous to health; characterized by progressive and uncontrolled growth (especially of a tumor)

From this reading This was grateful news to Alexia, who had dreaded the worst; nevertheless the ugly, haunting fact remained of a malignant purpose secretly at work against her lover and herself.

and nothing more

From this reading It had taken the whole town by surprise, not merely by its unusual ferocity, but by the comparative absence of adequate motive, and by the secrecy with which it had been planned.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior

From this reading It had taken the whole town by surprise, not merely by its unusual ferocity, but by the comparative absence of adequate motive, and by the secrecy with which it had been planned.

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

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading This was grateful news to Alexia, who had dreaded the worst; nevertheless the ugly, haunting fact remained of a malignant purpose secretly at work against her lover and herself.

information about recent and important events

From this reading This was grateful news to Alexia, who had dreaded the worst; nevertheless the ugly, haunting fact remained of a malignant purpose secretly at work against her lover and herself.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

not one, and not any

From this reading None of the local politicians could account for what was admittedly an organized attack.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

formed into a structured or coherent whole, particularly on a large scale

From this reading None of the local politicians could account for what was admittedly an organized attack.

designed or carried out according to a plan

From this reading It had taken the whole town by surprise, not merely by its unusual ferocity, but by the comparative absence of adequate motive, and by the secrecy with which it had been planned.

plural of “politician” — a leader engaged in civil administration

From this reading None of the local politicians could account for what was admittedly an organized attack.

almost; nearly

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading This was grateful news to Alexia, who had dreaded the worst; nevertheless the ugly, haunting fact remained of a malignant purpose secretly at work against her lover and herself.

freed from illness or injury

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading This was grateful news to Alexia, who had dreaded the worst; nevertheless the ugly, haunting fact remained of a malignant purpose secretly at work against her lover and herself.

the trait of keeping things secret

From this reading It had taken the whole town by surprise, not merely by its unusual ferocity, but by the comparative absence of adequate motive, and by the secrecy with which it had been planned.

in secrecy; not openly

From this reading This was grateful news to Alexia, who had dreaded the worst; nevertheless the ugly, haunting fact remained of a malignant purpose secretly at work against her lover and herself.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

a state of acute pain

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading It had taken the whole town by surprise, not merely by its unusual ferocity, but by the comparative absence of adequate motive, and by the secrecy with which it had been planned.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading It had taken the whole town by surprise, not merely by its unusual ferocity, but by the comparative absence of adequate motive, and by the secrecy with which it had been planned.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

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

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

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

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

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

From this reading This was grateful news to Alexia, who had dreaded the worst; nevertheless the ugly, haunting fact remained of a malignant purpose secretly at work against her lover and herself.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

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

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading It had taken the whole town by surprise, not merely by its unusual ferocity, but by the comparative absence of adequate motive, and by the secrecy with which it had been planned.

create by training and teaching

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

familiar with many parts of the world

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

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

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

displeasing to the senses

From this reading This was grateful news to Alexia, who had dreaded the worst; nevertheless the ugly, haunting fact remained of a malignant purpose secretly at work against her lover and herself.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading It had taken the whole town by surprise, not merely by its unusual ferocity, but by the comparative absence of adequate motive, and by the secrecy with which it had been planned.

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

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

From this reading THE FACE IN THE BOX By the earliest train next morning Alexia and her brother travelled down to Bradbury, and found to their relief that Herriard’s condition was not nearly so serious as they had feared.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading None of the local politicians could account for what was admittedly an organized attack.

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

From this reading It had taken the whole town by surprise, not merely by its unusual ferocity, but by the comparative absence of adequate motive, and by the secrecy with which it had been planned.

which person or people

From this reading This was grateful news to Alexia, who had dreaded the worst; nevertheless the ugly, haunting fact remained of a malignant purpose secretly at work against her lover and herself.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading It had taken the whole town by surprise, not merely by its unusual ferocity, but by the comparative absence of adequate motive, and by the secrecy with which it had been planned.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It had taken the whole town by surprise, not merely by its unusual ferocity, but by the comparative absence of adequate motive, and by the secrecy with which it had been planned.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading This was grateful news to Alexia, who had dreaded the worst; nevertheless the ugly, haunting fact remained of a malignant purpose secretly at work against her lover and herself.

the least favorable outcome

From this reading This was grateful news to Alexia, who had dreaded the worst; nevertheless the ugly, haunting fact remained of a malignant purpose secretly at work against her lover and herself.

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

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.

an injury to living tissue (especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin)

From this reading He was suffering from a wound in the head and slight concussion caused by the vicious blow that had been dealt him; but the doctor made light of his hurt, and declared two or three days would see him practically recovered.