Chapter II

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

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

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

From this reading She could not help wondering, however, whether Bianca Acorari had anything to do with Silvio’s evident satisfaction at remaining in Rome.

later than; following

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

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

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

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

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

declared publicly; made widely known

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

any thing at all

From this reading She could not help wondering, however, whether Bianca Acorari had anything to do with Silvio’s evident satisfaction at remaining in Rome.

from appearances alone

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

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

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

-ing form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

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

From this reading She could not help wondering, however, whether Bianca Acorari had anything to do with Silvio’s evident satisfaction at remaining in Rome.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

plural of “consideration” — the process of giving careful thought to something

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

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

From this reading She could not help wondering, however, whether Bianca Acorari had anything to do with Silvio’s evident satisfaction at remaining in Rome.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading It was delightful, no doubt, to have him with them.

wanted intensely

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

having or expressing desire for something

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

impaired by diminution

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading She could not help wondering, however, whether Bianca Acorari had anything to do with Silvio’s evident satisfaction at remaining in Rome.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading It was delightful, no doubt, to have him with them.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading She could not help wondering, however, whether Bianca Acorari had anything to do with Silvio’s evident satisfaction at remaining in Rome.

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

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

(comparative of “few” used with count nouns) quantifier meaning a smaller number of

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

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

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

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

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It was delightful, no doubt, to have him with them.

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

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading She could not help wondering, however, whether Bianca Acorari had anything to do with Silvio’s evident satisfaction at remaining in Rome.

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

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

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

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

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

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

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

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

without bounds

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was delightful, no doubt, to have him with them.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

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

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

plural of “neighbor” — a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

not any; not one

From this reading It was delightful, no doubt, to have him with them.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

extremely joyful

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

for a long time without essential change

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

experiencing or manifesting pleasure

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

not used up

From this reading She could not help wondering, however, whether Bianca Acorari had anything to do with Silvio’s evident satisfaction at remaining in Rome.

capital and largest city of Italy; on the Tiber; seat of the Roman Catholic Church; formerly the capital of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation

From this reading She could not help wondering, however, whether Bianca Acorari had anything to do with Silvio’s evident satisfaction at remaining in Rome.

cut with a saw

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

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

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

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

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

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

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

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

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

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

From this reading It was delightful, no doubt, to have him with them.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Of late, too, Silvio’s interest in their neighbors had apparently diminished, for he asked fewer questions concerning them, and occasionally, Giacinta thought, almost seemed as though desirous of avoiding the subject.

characterized by variety

From this reading She saw that her father was overjoyed at the idea, and, had it not been for other considerations, Giacinta would have desired nothing better than that Silvio should live permanently with them, for his being at home made her own life infinitely more varied.

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

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

at the time that

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading She could not help wondering, however, whether Bianca Acorari had anything to do with Silvio’s evident satisfaction at remaining in Rome.

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

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

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

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was delightful, no doubt, to have him with them.

showing curiosity

From this reading She could not help wondering, however, whether Bianca Acorari had anything to do with Silvio’s evident satisfaction at remaining in Rome.

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

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.

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

From this reading She was not altogether pleased, however, when, after he had been at home about a month, Silvio one day announced that he had been offered work in Rome which would certainly keep him in the city for the whole summer.