Chapter X

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

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading First of all, according to her custom, came Vachnikova, plentifully supplied with wool, and carrying several spindles under her arm.

later than; following

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

(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 Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

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

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading First of all, according to her custom, came Vachnikova, plentifully supplied with wool, and carrying several spindles under her arm.

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

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

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

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

confined by bonds

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

the handle of a broom

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

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

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading First of all, according to her custom, came Vachnikova, plentifully supplied with wool, and carrying several spindles under her arm.

exercising caution or showing care or attention

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading First of all, according to her custom, came Vachnikova, plentifully supplied with wool, and carrying several spindles under her arm.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

past form of “complain” — express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading First of all, according to her custom, came Vachnikova, plentifully supplied with wool, and carrying several spindles under her arm.

informal terms for a (young) woman

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

regarded with aversion

From this reading And then rolled in Ploshka’s wife, tubby, red-faced, plethoric, always over-dressed, high and mighty to everybody, and gifted with rare powers of speech, which made her generally disliked.

refuse to acknowledge

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

let fall to the ground

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

every person

From this reading And then rolled in Ploshka’s wife, tubby, red-faced, plethoric, always over-dressed, high and mighty to everybody, and gifted with rare powers of speech, which made her generally disliked.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading First of all, according to her custom, came Vachnikova, plentifully supplied with wool, and carrying several spindles under her arm.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

usually; as a rule

From this reading And then rolled in Ploshka’s wife, tubby, red-faced, plethoric, always over-dressed, high and mighty to everybody, and gifted with rare powers of speech, which made her generally disliked.

endowed with talent or talents

From this reading And then rolled in Ploshka’s wife, tubby, red-faced, plethoric, always over-dressed, high and mighty to everybody, and gifted with rare powers of speech, which made her generally disliked.

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

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

light informal conversation for social occasions

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

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

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

adult female chicken

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

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

From this reading First of all, according to her custom, came Vachnikova, plentifully supplied with wool, and carrying several spindles under her arm.

the one or ones belonging to her

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading And then rolled in Ploshka’s wife, tubby, red-faced, plethoric, always over-dressed, high and mighty to everybody, and gifted with rare powers of speech, which made her generally disliked.

quick to take offense

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

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

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

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

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

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

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

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

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

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

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading And then rolled in Ploshka’s wife, tubby, red-faced, plethoric, always over-dressed, high and mighty to everybody, and gifted with rare powers of speech, which made her generally disliked.

possessive form of “matthew” — (New Testament) disciple of Jesus; traditionally considered to be the author of the first Gospel

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

having or showing great strength or force or intensity

From this reading And then rolled in Ploshka’s wife, tubby, red-faced, plethoric, always over-dressed, high and mighty to everybody, and gifted with rare powers of speech, which made her generally disliked.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

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

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

above and across; more than

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

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

From this reading And then rolled in Ploshka’s wife, tubby, red-faced, plethoric, always over-dressed, high and mighty to everybody, and gifted with rare powers of speech, which made her generally disliked.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

in a bountiful manner

From this reading First of all, according to her custom, came Vachnikova, plentifully supplied with wool, and carrying several spindles under her arm.

excessively abundant

From this reading And then rolled in Ploshka’s wife, tubby, red-faced, plethoric, always over-dressed, high and mighty to everybody, and gifted with rare powers of speech, which made her generally disliked.

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

From this reading And then rolled in Ploshka’s wife, tubby, red-faced, plethoric, always over-dressed, high and mighty to everybody, and gifted with rare powers of speech, which made her generally disliked.

plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence

From this reading And then rolled in Ploshka’s wife, tubby, red-faced, plethoric, always over-dressed, high and mighty to everybody, and gifted with rare powers of speech, which made her generally disliked.

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

plural of “quarrel” — an angry dispute

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading And then rolled in Ploshka’s wife, tubby, red-faced, plethoric, always over-dressed, high and mighty to everybody, and gifted with rare powers of speech, which made her generally disliked.

(especially of the face) reddened or suffused with or as if with blood from emotion or exertion

From this reading And then rolled in Ploshka’s wife, tubby, red-faced, plethoric, always over-dressed, high and mighty to everybody, and gifted with rare powers of speech, which made her generally disliked.

especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward

From this reading And then rolled in Ploshka’s wife, tubby, red-faced, plethoric, always over-dressed, high and mighty to everybody, and gifted with rare powers of speech, which made her generally disliked.

Identical; not different.

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading First of all, according to her custom, came Vachnikova, plentifully supplied with wool, and carrying several spindles under her arm.

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

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience

From this reading And then rolled in Ploshka’s wife, tubby, red-faced, plethoric, always over-dressed, high and mighty to everybody, and gifted with rare powers of speech, which made her generally disliked.

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

From this reading First of all, according to her custom, came Vachnikova, plentifully supplied with wool, and carrying several spindles under her arm.

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

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

inflected form of “supply” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading First of all, according to her custom, came Vachnikova, plentifully supplied with wool, and carrying several spindles under her arm.

full of trivial conversation

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

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

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

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

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

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

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

in the direction of

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

short and plump

From this reading And then rolled in Ploshka’s wife, tubby, red-faced, plethoric, always over-dressed, high and mighty to everybody, and gifted with rare powers of speech, which made her generally disliked.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading First of all, according to her custom, came Vachnikova, plentifully supplied with wool, and carrying several spindles under her arm.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

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

From this reading First of all, according to her custom, came Vachnikova, plentifully supplied with wool, and carrying several spindles under her arm.

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

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

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

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

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

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

at the time that

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.

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

From this reading And then rolled in Ploshka’s wife, tubby, red-faced, plethoric, always over-dressed, high and mighty to everybody, and gifted with rare powers of speech, which made her generally disliked.

which person or people

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

in the company of; together with

From this reading First of all, according to her custom, came Vachnikova, plentifully supplied with wool, and carrying several spindles under her arm.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Then Golab, Matthew’s mother, with a vinegar-face, always bound up, who always complained of everything; after her, Valentova the talkative—a huffy woman who cackled like a hen; and Sikora’s wife, a terrible gossip, thin as a broomstick, and much interested in all her neighbours’ quarrels.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Dame Klemba had invited elderly women, for the most part, kinswomen or good friends of hers, and they had all come in proper time, as careful not to be late as not to disregard the invitation.

a fabric made from the hair of sheep

From this reading First of all, according to her custom, came Vachnikova, plentifully supplied with wool, and carrying several spindles under her arm.

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

From this reading On that same day, when work was over and the evening well on towards night, they began to drop in at Klemba’s for the grand spinning-party.