Chapter III

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

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading ARCHIBALD DUNN ROGER HARDIE knew absolutely no one at Westcott’s when he moved into his room at Adams’s that fall.

possessive form of “adams” — American Revolutionary leader and patriot; an organizer of the Boston Tea Party and signer of the Declaration of Independence (1722-1803)

From this reading ARCHIBALD DUNN ROGER HARDIE knew absolutely no one at Westcott’s when he moved into his room at Adams’s that fall.

later than; following

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

plural of “aire” — a river in northern England that flows southeast through West Yorkshire

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

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

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

inherent ability

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

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

From this reading ARCHIBALD DUNN ROGER HARDIE knew absolutely no one at Westcott’s when he moved into his room at Adams’s that fall.

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

From this reading Boys are seldom temperate in their opinions of their own merits.

any of various small silver-scaled salmon-like marine fishes

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

state categorically

From this reading Eliminate the over-confident who run to freshness and the under-confident who lack courage to assert themselves, and there remain but a small percentage who wisely follow the middle course.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading ARCHIBALD DUNN ROGER HARDIE knew absolutely no one at Westcott’s when he moved into his room at Adams’s that fall.

stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

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

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

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

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear

From this reading Eliminate the over-confident who run to freshness and the under-confident who lack courage to assert themselves, and there remain but a small percentage who wisely follow the middle course.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Eliminate the over-confident who run to freshness and the under-confident who lack courage to assert themselves, and there remain but a small percentage who wisely follow the middle course.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

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

From this reading ARCHIBALD DUNN ROGER HARDIE knew absolutely no one at Westcott’s when he moved into his room at Adams’s that fall.

terminate, end, or take out

From this reading Eliminate the over-confident who run to freshness and the under-confident who lack courage to assert themselves, and there remain but a small percentage who wisely follow the middle course.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

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

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

the state of being excluded

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading ARCHIBALD DUNN ROGER HARDIE knew absolutely no one at Westcott’s when he moved into his room at Adams’s that fall.

a social unit living together

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

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

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

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

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Eliminate the over-confident who run to freshness and the under-confident who lack courage to assert themselves, and there remain but a small percentage who wisely follow the middle course.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

the property of being pure and fresh (as if newly made); not stale or deteriorated

From this reading Eliminate the over-confident who run to freshness and the under-confident who lack courage to assert themselves, and there remain but a small percentage who wisely follow the middle course.

plural of “friendship” — the state of being friends (or friendly)

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

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

From this reading ARCHIBALD DUNN ROGER HARDIE knew absolutely no one at Westcott’s when he moved into his room at Adams’s that fall.

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

From this reading ARCHIBALD DUNN ROGER HARDIE knew absolutely no one at Westcott’s when he moved into his room at Adams’s that fall.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

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

From this reading ARCHIBALD DUNN ROGER HARDIE knew absolutely no one at Westcott’s when he moved into his room at Adams’s that fall.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

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

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading ARCHIBALD DUNN ROGER HARDIE knew absolutely no one at Westcott’s when he moved into his room at Adams’s that fall.

a state of separation between persons or groups

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading ARCHIBALD DUNN ROGER HARDIE knew absolutely no one at Westcott’s when he moved into his room at Adams’s that fall.

the state of needing something that is absent or unavailable

From this reading Eliminate the over-confident who run to freshness and the under-confident who lack courage to assert themselves, and there remain but a small percentage who wisely follow the middle course.

past form of “lack” — be without

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

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 He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

plural of “merit” — any admirable quality or attribute

From this reading Boys are seldom temperate in their opinions of their own merits.

an area that is approximately central within some larger region

From this reading Eliminate the over-confident who run to freshness and the under-confident who lack courage to assert themselves, and there remain but a small percentage who wisely follow the middle course.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading ARCHIBALD DUNN ROGER HARDIE knew absolutely no one at Westcott’s when he moved into his room at Adams’s that fall.

as might be expected

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

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

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

not any; not one

From this reading ARCHIBALD DUNN ROGER HARDIE knew absolutely no one at Westcott’s when he moved into his room at Adams’s that fall.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

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

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading ARCHIBALD DUNN ROGER HARDIE knew absolutely no one at Westcott’s when he moved into his room at Adams’s that fall.

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

plural of “opinion” — a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading Boys are seldom temperate in their opinions of their own merits.

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

From this reading Eliminate the over-confident who run to freshness and the under-confident who lack courage to assert themselves, and there remain but a small percentage who wisely follow the middle course.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Boys are seldom temperate in their opinions of their own merits.

a proportion in relation to a whole (which is usually the amount per hundred)

From this reading Eliminate the over-confident who run to freshness and the under-confident who lack courage to assert themselves, and there remain but a small percentage who wisely follow the middle course.

win approval or support for

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading Eliminate the over-confident who run to freshness and the under-confident who lack courage to assert themselves, and there remain but a small percentage who wisely follow the middle course.

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

From this reading ARCHIBALD DUNN ROGER HARDIE knew absolutely no one at Westcott’s when he moved into his room at Adams’s that fall.

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

From this reading ARCHIBALD DUNN ROGER HARDIE knew absolutely no one at Westcott’s when he moved into his room at Adams’s that fall.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading Eliminate the over-confident who run to freshness and the under-confident who lack courage to assert themselves, and there remain but a small percentage who wisely follow the middle course.

with safety; in a safe manner

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

past form of “sail” — traverse or travel on (a body of water)

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

an educational institution

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

not often

From this reading Boys are seldom temperate in their opinions of their own merits.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

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

From this reading Eliminate the over-confident who run to freshness and the under-confident who lack courage to assert themselves, and there remain but a small percentage who wisely follow the middle course.

in the near future

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

use up a period of time in a specific way

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

without emotion; in a stoic manner

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

(of weather or climate) free from extremes; mild; or characteristic of such weather or climate

From this reading Boys are seldom temperate in their opinions of their own merits.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading ARCHIBALD DUNN ROGER HARDIE knew absolutely no one at Westcott’s when he moved into his room at Adams’s that fall.

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

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Boys are seldom temperate in their opinions of their own merits.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Eliminate the over-confident who run to freshness and the under-confident who lack courage to assert themselves, and there remain but a small percentage who wisely follow the middle course.

in or at that place or location

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

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

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

hard to endure

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

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

From this reading Eliminate the over-confident who run to freshness and the under-confident who lack courage to assert themselves, and there remain but a small percentage who wisely follow the middle course.

precisely as stated

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

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

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

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

From this reading ARCHIBALD DUNN ROGER HARDIE knew absolutely no one at Westcott’s when he moved into his room at Adams’s that fall.

at the time that

From this reading ARCHIBALD DUNN ROGER HARDIE knew absolutely no one at Westcott’s when he moved into his room at Adams’s that fall.

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

From this reading He took his fate stoically, trying hard to persuade himself that he should soon feel at home, but he could not avoid the sense of isolation and exclusion which comes naturally to one of a very few new boys among a great many very intimate old ones; and he lacked entirely the aptitude for quick friendships.

which person or people

From this reading Eliminate the over-confident who run to freshness and the under-confident who lack courage to assert themselves, and there remain but a small percentage who wisely follow the middle course.

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

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading His father was engaged in the Argentine trade; and the day after Roger was safely established in school the whole family sailed for Buenos Aires to spend the winter there.

in a wise manner

From this reading Eliminate the over-confident who run to freshness and the under-confident who lack courage to assert themselves, and there remain but a small percentage who wisely follow the middle course.