Chapter XIX

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

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

concurrence of opinion

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading "You understand, I suppose, that I am not desirous to let you examine in detail fortifications which you may be ordered to attack within a few days."

a diplomat of the highest rank; accredited as representative from one country to another

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

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

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

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

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

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

From this reading "You understand, I suppose, that I am not desirous to let you examine in detail fortifications which you may be ordered to attack within a few days."

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

From this reading "You understand, I suppose, that I am not desirous to let you examine in detail fortifications which you may be ordered to attack within a few days."

the action or reaction of something (as a machine or substance) under specified circumstances

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

terminate

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

plural of “claim” — an assertion of a right (as to money or property)

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

determine the number or amount of

From this reading The count did not give the hunter time to make many observations.

a courteous or respectful or considerate act

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading "You understand, I suppose, that I am not desirous to let you examine in detail fortifications which you may be ordered to attack within a few days."

having or expressing desire for something

From this reading "You understand, I suppose, that I am not desirous to let you examine in detail fortifications which you may be ordered to attack within a few days."

an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole

From this reading "You understand, I suppose, that I am not desirous to let you examine in detail fortifications which you may be ordered to attack within a few days."

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

From this reading The count did not give the hunter time to make many observations.

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

From this reading DIEGO LÓPEZ.

the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning

From this reading "You understand, I suppose, that I am not desirous to let you examine in detail fortifications which you may be ordered to attack within a few days."

accept an excuse for

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading "You understand, I suppose, that I am not desirous to let you examine in detail fortifications which you may be ordered to attack within a few days."

plural of “fortification” — defensive structure consisting of walls or mounds built around a stronghold to strengthen it

From this reading "You understand, I suppose, that I am not desirous to let you examine in detail fortifications which you may be ordered to attack within a few days."

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading The count did not give the hunter time to make many observations.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

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

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

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

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

someone who hunts game

From this reading The count did not give the hunter time to make many observations.

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

From this reading "You understand, I suppose, that I am not desirous to let you examine in detail fortifications which you may be ordered to attack within a few days."

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

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

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

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

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading "You understand, I suppose, that I am not desirous to let you examine in detail fortifications which you may be ordered to attack within a few days."

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

From this reading DIEGO LÓPEZ.

engage in

From this reading The count did not give the hunter time to make many observations.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading The count did not give the hunter time to make many observations.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

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

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

a native or inhabitant of Mexico

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

a particular point in time

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

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

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The count did not give the hunter time to make many observations.

plural of “observation” — the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading The count did not give the hunter time to make many observations.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule

From this reading "You understand, I suppose, that I am not desirous to let you examine in detail fortifications which you may be ordered to attack within a few days."

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

plural of “patriot” — one who loves and defends his or her country

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

the body of people in a learned occupation

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading "That is true," the hunter said with a smile.

the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

catch sight of

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

express a supposition

From this reading "You understand, I suppose, that I am not desirous to let you examine in detail fortifications which you may be ordered to attack within a few days."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "That is true," the hunter said with a smile.

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

From this reading The count did not give the hunter time to make many observations.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The count did not give the hunter time to make many observations.

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

From this reading The count did not give the hunter time to make many observations.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading "That is true," the hunter said with a smile.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading "You understand, I suppose, that I am not desirous to let you examine in detail fortifications which you may be ordered to attack within a few days."

third-person singular of “understand” — know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

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

From this reading "You understand, I suppose, that I am not desirous to let you examine in detail fortifications which you may be ordered to attack within a few days."

in the company of; together with

From this reading "Excuse me," he said, "if my behaviour does not appear exactly in accordance with the claims of courtesy; but war may break out at any moment between the Spanish government and the Mexican patriots, and an ambassador, if he understands his profession, is always more or less a spy."

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading "You understand, I suppose, that I am not desirous to let you examine in detail fortifications which you may be ordered to attack within a few days."

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "You understand, I suppose, that I am not desirous to let you examine in detail fortifications which you may be ordered to attack within a few days."