Chapter IV · Matilall's English Education

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

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

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

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

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

From this reading What can you expect from such a low fellow as that Mussulman?"

used as a Hindi courtesy title; equivalent to English “Mr”

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

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

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

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

From this reading He then considered that as Persian was going out of fashion, it might be a good thing for the boy to learn English.

a youthful male person

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading What can you expect from such a low fellow as that Mussulman?"

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

carefully weighed

From this reading He then considered that as Persian was going out of fashion, it might be a good thing for the boy to learn English.

get or ask advice from

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

the act of making up your mind about something

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

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

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading He then considered that as Persian was going out of fashion, it might be a good thing for the boy to learn English.

divisible by two

From this reading Just as a madman has occasional glimmerings of sense, so even a man lacking in intelligence has occasional happy inspirations.

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading What can you expect from such a low fellow as that Mussulman?"

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He then considered that as Persian was going out of fashion, it might be a good thing for the boy to learn English.

a boy or man

From this reading What can you expect from such a low fellow as that Mussulman?"

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He then considered that as Persian was going out of fashion, it might be a good thing for the boy to learn English.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading What can you expect from such a low fellow as that Mussulman?"

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

From this reading Just as a madman has occasional glimmerings of sense, so even a man lacking in intelligence has occasional happy inspirations.

the act of departing

From this reading He then considered that as Persian was going out of fashion, it might be a good thing for the boy to learn English.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading He then considered that as Persian was going out of fashion, it might be a good thing for the boy to learn English.

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

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading Just as a madman has occasional glimmerings of sense, so even a man lacking in intelligence has occasional happy inspirations.

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

From this reading Just as a madman has occasional glimmerings of sense, so even a man lacking in intelligence has occasional happy inspirations.

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

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

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

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

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

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

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

From this reading Just as a madman has occasional glimmerings of sense, so even a man lacking in intelligence has occasional happy inspirations.

marked by a lack of interest

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

plural of “inspiration” — arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity

From this reading Just as a madman has occasional glimmerings of sense, so even a man lacking in intelligence has occasional happy inspirations.

the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience

From this reading Just as a madman has occasional glimmerings of sense, so even a man lacking in intelligence has occasional happy inspirations.

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

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He then considered that as Persian was going out of fashion, it might be a good thing for the boy to learn English.

and nothing more

From this reading Just as a madman has occasional glimmerings of sense, so even a man lacking in intelligence has occasional happy inspirations.

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 When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

inadequate in amount or degree

From this reading Just as a madman has occasional glimmerings of sense, so even a man lacking in intelligence has occasional happy inspirations.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading He then considered that as Persian was going out of fashion, it might be a good thing for the boy to learn English.

the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading What can you expect from such a low fellow as that Mussulman?"

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

an insane person

From this reading Just as a madman has occasional glimmerings of sense, so even a man lacking in intelligence has occasional happy inspirations.

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

From this reading Just as a madman has occasional glimmerings of sense, so even a man lacking in intelligence has occasional happy inspirations.

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

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He then considered that as Persian was going out of fashion, it might be a good thing for the boy to learn English.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

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

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

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

From this reading What can you expect from such a low fellow as that Mussulman?"

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

plural of “neighbour” — a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

occurring from time to time

From this reading Just as a madman has occasional glimmerings of sense, so even a man lacking in intelligence has occasional happy inspirations.

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

and nothing more

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading He then considered that as Persian was going out of fashion, it might be a good thing for the boy to learn English.

a native or inhabitant of Iran

From this reading He then considered that as Persian was going out of fashion, it might be a good thing for the boy to learn English.

a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

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

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

A specialist in a particular branch of study; a distinguished student.

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading Just as a madman has occasional glimmerings of sense, so even a man lacking in intelligence has occasional happy inspirations.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Just as a madman has occasional glimmerings of sense, so even a man lacking in intelligence has occasional happy inspirations.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading What can you expect from such a low fellow as that Mussulman?"

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

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

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading He then considered that as Persian was going out of fashion, it might be a good thing for the boy to learn English.

a special situation

From this reading He then considered that as Persian was going out of fashion, it might be a good thing for the boy to learn English.

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

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

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

From this reading He then considered that as Persian was going out of fashion, it might be a good thing for the boy to learn English.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

precisely as stated

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

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

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What can you expect from such a low fellow as that Mussulman?"

at the time that

From this reading WHEN Baburam heard of the evil plight of the Munshi Saheb, the only remark he made was: "My boy, Matilall, is not a boy like that.

in the company of; together with

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

the words that are spoken

From this reading When he had come to this decision, it occurred to Baburam Babu that he was a very indifferent English scholar himself: he only knew one or two English words: his neighbours too, he reflected, knew about as much of it as he himself did: he must consult with some man of learning and experience.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading What can you expect from such a low fellow as that Mussulman?"