Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

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

From this reading He was naturally a man of broad views, who felt the indignity of coping with such petty odds.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading It's just the little fight for enough to eat and wear that's getting the better of me that was a man, and able to do a man's work in the world.

(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 "Why need it all have been over so little?

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

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

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

From this reading It's just the little fight for enough to eat and wear that's getting the better of me that was a man, and able to do a man's work in the world.

(New Testament) disciple of Jesus; brother of Peter; patron saint of Scotland

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

plural of “ant” — social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

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

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

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

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

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

From this reading "For God's sake, if I had to be done to death, why couldn't it have been for something?" he groaned, speaking with his lips close to the earth as if it were a listening ear.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading "For God's sake, if I had to be done to death, why couldn't it have been for something?" he groaned, speaking with his lips close to the earth as if it were a listening ear.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

(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 It's just the little fight for enough to eat and wear that's getting the better of me that was a man, and able to do a man's work in the world.

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

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

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

From this reading He was naturally a man of broad views, who felt the indignity of coping with such petty odds.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

the time of person's life when they are a child

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading "For God's sake, if I had to be done to death, why couldn't it have been for something?" he groaned, speaking with his lips close to the earth as if it were a listening ear.

brick that is laid sideways at the top of a wall

From this reading He was naturally a man of broad views, who felt the indignity of coping with such petty odds.

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

From this reading "For God's sake, if I had to be done to death, why couldn't it have been for something?" he groaned, speaking with his lips close to the earth as if it were a listening ear.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

wet with dew

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading It's just the little fight for enough to eat and wear that's getting the better of me that was a man, and able to do a man's work in the world.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading "For God's sake, if I had to be done to death, why couldn't it have been for something?" he groaned, speaking with his lips close to the earth as if it were a listening ear.

the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading "For God's sake, if I had to be done to death, why couldn't it have been for something?" he groaned, speaking with his lips close to the earth as if it were a listening ear.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading "For God's sake, if I had to be done to death, why couldn't it have been for something?" he groaned, speaking with his lips close to the earth as if it were a listening ear.

take in solid food

From this reading It's just the little fight for enough to eat and wear that's getting the better of me that was a man, and able to do a man's work in the world.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading It's just the little fight for enough to eat and wear that's getting the better of me that was a man, and able to do a man's work in the world.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading It's just the little fight for enough to eat and wear that's getting the better of me that was a man, and able to do a man's work in the world.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading It's just the little fight for enough to eat and wear that's getting the better of me that was a man, and able to do a man's work in the world.

the act of giving

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

possessive form of “god” — the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading "For God's sake, if I had to be done to death, why couldn't it have been for something?" he groaned, speaking with his lips close to the earth as if it were a listening ear.

shoot down, of birds

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

past form of “groan” — indicate pain, discomfort, or displeasure

From this reading "For God's sake, if I had to be done to death, why couldn't it have been for something?" he groaned, speaking with his lips close to the earth as if it were a listening ear.

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

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "For God's sake, if I had to be done to death, why couldn't it have been for something?" he groaned, speaking with his lips close to the earth as if it were a listening ear.

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

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

the biological process whereby genetic factors are transmitted from one generation to the next

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

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

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

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

From this reading "For God's sake, if I had to be done to death, why couldn't it have been for something?" he groaned, speaking with his lips close to the earth as if it were a listening ear.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

plural of “impulse” — an instinctive motive

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

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

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

an affront to one's dignity or self-esteem

From this reading He was naturally a man of broad views, who felt the indignity of coping with such petty odds.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "For God's sake, if I had to be done to death, why couldn't it have been for something?" he groaned, speaking with his lips close to the earth as if it were a listening ear.

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

From this reading It's just the little fight for enough to eat and wear that's getting the better of me that was a man, and able to do a man's work in the world.

and nothing more

From this reading It's just the little fight for enough to eat and wear that's getting the better of me that was a man, and able to do a man's work in the world.

plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking

From this reading "For God's sake, if I had to be done to death, why couldn't it have been for something?" he groaned, speaking with his lips close to the earth as if it were a listening ear.

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading "For God's sake, if I had to be done to death, why couldn't it have been for something?" he groaned, speaking with his lips close to the earth as if it were a listening ear.

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

From this reading "Why need it all have been over so little?

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading He was naturally a man of broad views, who felt the indignity of coping with such petty odds.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading It's just the little fight for enough to eat and wear that's getting the better of me that was a man, and able to do a man's work in the world.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading It's just the little fight for enough to eat and wear that's getting the better of me that was a man, and able to do a man's work in the world.

plural of “muscle” — one of the contractile organs of the body

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

as might be expected

From this reading He was naturally a man of broad views, who felt the indignity of coping with such petty odds.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading "Why need it all have been over so little?

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

the likelihood of a thing occurring rather than not occurring

From this reading He was naturally a man of broad views, who felt the indignity of coping with such petty odds.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

above and across; more than

From this reading "Why need it all have been over so little?

inferior in rank or status

From this reading He was naturally a man of broad views, who felt the indignity of coping with such petty odds.

without strain or anxiety

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

a reason for wanting something done

From this reading "For God's sake, if I had to be done to death, why couldn't it have been for something?" he groaned, speaking with his lips close to the earth as if it were a listening ear.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "Why need it all have been over so little?

a thing, without saying which

From this reading "For God's sake, if I had to be done to death, why couldn't it have been for something?" he groaned, speaking with his lips close to the earth as if it were a listening ear.

the utterance of intelligible speech

From this reading "For God's sake, if I had to be done to death, why couldn't it have been for something?" he groaned, speaking with his lips close to the earth as if it were a listening ear.

past form of “stiffen” — become stiff or stiffer

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

aroused to impatience or anger

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading He was naturally a man of broad views, who felt the indignity of coping with such petty odds.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It's just the little fight for enough to eat and wear that's getting the better of me that was a man, and able to do a man's work in the world.

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

From this reading It's just the little fight for enough to eat and wear that's getting the better of me that was a man, and able to do a man's work in the world.

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

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

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

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

plural of “view” — a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading He was naturally a man of broad views, who felt the indignity of coping with such petty odds.

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

From this reading He was naturally a man of broad views, who felt the indignity of coping with such petty odds.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

be dressed in

From this reading It's just the little fight for enough to eat and wear that's getting the better of me that was a man, and able to do a man's work in the world.

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

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

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

From this reading Andrew Brewster, lying in the dewy grass under the apple-trees, giving way for almost the first time since his childhood to impulses which had hitherto, from his New England heredity, stiffened instead of relaxed his muscles of expression, felt as if he were being stung to death by ants.

which person or people

From this reading He was naturally a man of broad views, who felt the indignity of coping with such petty odds.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading "For God's sake, if I had to be done to death, why couldn't it have been for something?" he groaned, speaking with his lips close to the earth as if it were a listening ear.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He was naturally a man of broad views, who felt the indignity of coping with such petty odds.

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

From this reading It's just the little fight for enough to eat and wear that's getting the better of me that was a man, and able to do a man's work in the world.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading It's just the little fight for enough to eat and wear that's getting the better of me that was a man, and able to do a man's work in the world.