Chapter II

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

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

(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 But the interior of the parsonage looked all the brighter and more home-like.

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

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

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

From this reading Here, in an atmosphere so oppressive from the heat of the stove that I could scarcely breathe, an old gentleman was sitting by the window in a large arm-chair covered with calico.

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

From this reading But the interior of the parsonage looked all the brighter and more home-like.

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

From this reading Here, in an atmosphere so oppressive from the heat of the stove that I could scarcely breathe, an old gentleman was sitting by the window in a large arm-chair covered with calico.

feeling shame or guilt or embarrassment or remorse

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading Here, in an atmosphere so oppressive from the heat of the stove that I could scarcely breathe, an old gentleman was sitting by the window in a large arm-chair covered with calico.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading She led me into a small back room, that was just illumined by the setting sun.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

draw air into, and expel out of, the lungs

From this reading Here, in an atmosphere so oppressive from the heat of the stove that I could scarcely breathe, an old gentleman was sitting by the window in a large arm-chair covered with calico.

comparative of “bright” — emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading But the interior of the parsonage looked all the brighter and more home-like.

quick and energetic

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the interior of the parsonage looked all the brighter and more home-like.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading She led me into a small back room, that was just illumined by the setting sun.

made of calico or resembling calico in being patterned

From this reading Here, in an atmosphere so oppressive from the heat of the stove that I could scarcely breathe, an old gentleman was sitting by the window in a large arm-chair covered with calico.

free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

diffusing warmth and friendliness

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

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

From this reading Here, in an atmosphere so oppressive from the heat of the stove that I could scarcely breathe, an old gentleman was sitting by the window in a large arm-chair covered with calico.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading Here, in an atmosphere so oppressive from the heat of the stove that I could scarcely breathe, an old gentleman was sitting by the window in a large arm-chair covered with calico.

placed crosswise

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

in a manner or to a degree that dazzles the beholder

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

divisible by two

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

plural of “floor” — the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

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

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

very recently

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Here, in an atmosphere so oppressive from the heat of the stove that I could scarcely breathe, an old gentleman was sitting by the window in a large arm-chair covered with calico.

a man of refinement

From this reading Here, in an atmosphere so oppressive from the heat of the stove that I could scarcely breathe, an old gentleman was sitting by the window in a large arm-chair covered with calico.

past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature

From this reading Here, in an atmosphere so oppressive from the heat of the stove that I could scarcely breathe, an old gentleman was sitting by the window in a large arm-chair covered with calico.

A person legally or magically entitled to the property or rank of another on that person's death.

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

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

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here, in an atmosphere so oppressive from the heat of the stove that I could scarcely breathe, an old gentleman was sitting by the window in a large arm-chair covered with calico.

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

From this reading But the interior of the parsonage looked all the brighter and more home-like.

a social unit living together

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

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

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

past form of “illumine” — make lighter or brighter

From this reading She led me into a small back room, that was just illumined by the setting sun.

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

From this reading Here, in an atmosphere so oppressive from the heat of the stove that I could scarcely breathe, an old gentleman was sitting by the window in a large arm-chair covered with calico.

situated within or suitable for inside a building

From this reading But the interior of the parsonage looked all the brighter and more home-like.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading She led me into a small back room, that was just illumined by the setting sun.

(of linens or clothes) smoothed with a hot iron

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

and nothing more

From this reading She led me into a small back room, that was just illumined by the setting sun.

a polite name for any woman

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Here, in an atmosphere so oppressive from the heat of the stove that I could scarcely breathe, an old gentleman was sitting by the window in a large arm-chair covered with calico.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading She led me into a small back room, that was just illumined by the setting sun.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading But the interior of the parsonage looked all the brighter and more home-like.

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

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

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

From this reading But the interior of the parsonage looked all the brighter and more home-like.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But the interior of the parsonage looked all the brighter and more home-like.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

and nothing more

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

weighing heavily on the senses or spirit

From this reading Here, in an atmosphere so oppressive from the heat of the stove that I could scarcely breathe, an old gentleman was sitting by the window in a large arm-chair covered with calico.

an official residence provided by a church for its parson or vicar or rector

From this reading But the interior of the parsonage looked all the brighter and more home-like.

possessive form of “pastor” — a person authorized to conduct religious worship

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

sufficiently fat so as to have a pleasing fullness of figure

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

the force applied to a unit area of surface; measured in pascals (SI unit) or in dynes (cgs unit)

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading She led me into a small back room, that was just illumined by the setting sun.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

only a very short time before

From this reading Here, in an atmosphere so oppressive from the heat of the stove that I could scarcely breathe, an old gentleman was sitting by the window in a large arm-chair covered with calico.

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

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

concerned chiefly or only with yourself and your advantage to the exclusion of others

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

the context and environment in which something is set

From this reading She led me into a small back room, that was just illumined by the setting sun.

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

From this reading She led me into a small back room, that was just illumined by the setting sun.

(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)

From this reading Here, in an atmosphere so oppressive from the heat of the stove that I could scarcely breathe, an old gentleman was sitting by the window in a large arm-chair covered with calico.

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

From this reading She led me into a small back room, that was just illumined by the setting sun.

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

a kitchen appliance used for cooking food

From this reading Here, in an atmosphere so oppressive from the heat of the stove that I could scarcely breathe, an old gentleman was sitting by the window in a large arm-chair covered with calico.

inflected form of “strew” — spread by scattering ("straw" is archaic)

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading She led me into a small back room, that was just illumined by the setting sun.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

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

From this reading But the interior of the parsonage looked all the brighter and more home-like.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

in or at that place or location

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

the starting point for a new state or experience

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

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

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

plural of “utensil” — an implement for practical use (especially in a household)

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

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

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

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

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

a Caucasian

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

coated with whitewash

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading A brisk, plump old lady, the pastor's wife, greeted me with so cordial a pressure of the hand, that I felt almost ashamed of having crossed her threshold with the selfish thoughts of a smiling heir.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading Here, in an atmosphere so oppressive from the heat of the stove that I could scarcely breathe, an old gentleman was sitting by the window in a large arm-chair covered with calico.

in the company of; together with

From this reading True, the walls of the rooms were only whitewashed, but there was not even a fly-speck on them; the thin white curtains seemed to have been freshly ironed only the day before, the floors were strewn with sand, and the household utensils were dazzlingly clean.