Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

move forward, also in the metaphorical sense

From this reading To his mother it meant a distinct social advance, as no family staying in town all summer could be held really respectable.

(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 First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

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

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

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

From this reading To his mother it meant a distinct social advance, as no family staying in town all summer could be held really respectable.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading To Keith this meant a chance of playing with other children without having to ask permission every time and rarely getting it.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

plural of “bath” — a vessel containing liquid in which something is immersed (as to process it or to maintain it at a constant temperature or to lubricate it)

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

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

From this reading To his mother it meant a distinct social advance, as no family staying in town all summer could be held really respectable.

for the reason that

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

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

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

inflected form of “buy” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

possessive form of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading To Keith this meant a chance of playing with other children without having to ask permission every time and rarely getting it.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading To Keith this meant a chance of playing with other children without having to ask permission every time and rarely getting it.

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

outer bark of the cork oak; used for stoppers for bottles etc.

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

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

From this reading To his mother it meant a distinct social advance, as no family staying in town all summer could be held really respectable.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

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

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality

From this reading To his mother it meant a distinct social advance, as no family staying in town all summer could be held really respectable.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading To Keith this meant a chance of playing with other children without having to ask permission every time and rarely getting it.

communicated in words

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

extend in scope or range or area

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

a social unit living together

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

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

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading To Keith this meant a chance of playing with other children without having to ask permission every time and rarely getting it.

the act of departing

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

receive an academic degree upon completion of one's studies

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

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

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading To Keith this meant a chance of playing with other children without having to ask permission every time and rarely getting it.

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

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading To his mother it meant a distinct social advance, as no family staying in town all summer could be held really respectable.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

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

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

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

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

a message describing how something is to be done

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading To Keith this meant a chance of playing with other children without having to ask permission every time and rarely getting it.

become part of; become a member of a group or organization

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

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

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

past form of “lure” — provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

possessing qualities befitting a man

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

understood perfectly

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading To Keith this meant a chance of playing with other children without having to ask permission every time and rarely getting it.

the branch of physics concerned with the motion of bodies in a frame of reference

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

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

From this reading To his mother it meant a distinct social advance, as no family staying in town all summer could be held really respectable.

not any; not one

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

moving to a position on a surface

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

in an open way

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading To Keith this meant a chance of playing with other children without having to ask permission every time and rarely getting it.

approval to do something

From this reading To Keith this meant a chance of playing with other children without having to ask permission every time and rarely getting it.

a cushion to support the head of a sleeping person

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

the act of playing a musical instrument

From this reading To Keith this meant a chance of playing with other children without having to ask permission every time and rarely getting it.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

not often

From this reading To Keith this meant a chance of playing with other children without having to ask permission every time and rarely getting it.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading To his mother it meant a distinct social advance, as no family staying in town all summer could be held really respectable.

characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals

From this reading To his mother it meant a distinct social advance, as no family staying in town all summer could be held really respectable.

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

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

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading To his mother it meant a distinct social advance, as no family staying in town all summer could be held really respectable.

comparatives of “soon” or “early”

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

-ing form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading To his mother it meant a distinct social advance, as no family staying in town all summer could be held really respectable.

to a sufficient degree

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

the act of swimming

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

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

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

a special situation

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading To Keith this meant a chance of playing with other children without having to ask permission every time and rarely getting it.

a commercial document showing that the holder is entitled to something (as to ride on public transportation or to enter a public entertainment)

From this reading First of all his father bought him a season ticket at the public baths in the North River and made him join a class of small boys for instruction in the manly art of swimming.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading To Keith this meant a chance of playing with other children without having to ask permission every time and rarely getting it.

fear of the unknown or unfamiliar or fear of making decisions

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

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

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading To his mother it meant a distinct social advance, as no family staying in town all summer could be held really respectable.

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

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

a region marking a boundary

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

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

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.

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

From this reading No sooner, however, had he mastered the mechanics of the thing sufficiently to graduate from the board-walk onto a cork pillow in the water, than he had to quit because the whole family was "going into the country" for the summer.

in the company of; together with

From this reading To Keith this meant a chance of playing with other children without having to ask permission every time and rarely getting it.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading To Keith this meant a chance of playing with other children without having to ask permission every time and rarely getting it.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading The world was opening up, Keith felt, and his father was lured to the verge of openly expressed satisfaction at finding that the boy's timidity did not extend to cold water.