Chapter XII

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

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

concurrence of opinion

From this reading The truth is, I believe my narration will be more exactly in accordance with the facts of the case than Mr. Whacker’s would be.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading But there are reasons why I prefer to give my own account of the matter.

later than; following

From this reading So, after all, my grandfather lost his opportunity of explaining to the Don how he came to build the Hall.

(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 So, after all, my grandfather lost his opportunity of explaining to the Don how he came to build the Hall.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

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

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

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

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

react verbally

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

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

From this reading But there are reasons why I prefer to give my own account of the matter.

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

From this reading No doubt he will do so as soon as the latter returns from his walk.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

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

From this reading The truth is, I believe my narration will be more exactly in accordance with the facts of the case than Mr. Whacker’s would be.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading The truth is, I believe my narration will be more exactly in accordance with the facts of the case than Mr. Whacker’s would be.

make by combining materials and parts

From this reading So, after all, my grandfather lost his opportunity of explaining to the Don how he came to build the Hall.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But there are reasons why I prefer to give my own account of the matter.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading So, after all, my grandfather lost his opportunity of explaining to the Don how he came to build the Hall.

an occurrence of something

From this reading The truth is, I believe my narration will be more exactly in accordance with the facts of the case than Mr. Whacker’s would be.

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

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

without doubt or question

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

past form of “construct” — make by combining materials and parts

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

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

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading No doubt he will do so as soon as the latter returns from his walk.

a Spanish gentleman or nobleman

From this reading So, after all, my grandfather lost his opportunity of explaining to the Don how he came to build the Hall.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading No doubt he will do so as soon as the latter returns from his walk.

at any time

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading The truth is, I believe my narration will be more exactly in accordance with the facts of the case than Mr. Whacker’s would be.

-ing form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading So, after all, my grandfather lost his opportunity of explaining to the Don how he came to build the Hall.

plural of “fact” — a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading The truth is, I believe my narration will be more exactly in accordance with the facts of the case than Mr. Whacker’s would be.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading No doubt he will do so as soon as the latter returns from his walk.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading But there are reasons why I prefer to give my own account of the matter.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

the father of your father or mother

From this reading So, after all, my grandfather lost his opportunity of explaining to the Don how he came to build the Hall.

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

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

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

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading So, after all, my grandfather lost his opportunity of explaining to the Don how he came to build the Hall.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

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

From this reading So, after all, my grandfather lost his opportunity of explaining to the Don how he came to build the Hall.

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

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

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

From this reading So, after all, my grandfather lost his opportunity of explaining to the Don how he came to build the Hall.

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

From this reading So, after all, my grandfather lost his opportunity of explaining to the Don how he came to build the Hall.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

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

From this reading But there are reasons why I prefer to give my own account of the matter.

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

From this reading The truth is, I believe my narration will be more exactly in accordance with the facts of the case than Mr. Whacker’s would be.

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

From this reading The truth is, I believe my narration will be more exactly in accordance with the facts of the case than Mr. Whacker’s would be.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading No doubt he will do so as soon as the latter returns from his walk.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading So, after all, my grandfather lost his opportunity of explaining to the Don how he came to build the Hall.

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

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading But there are reasons why I prefer to give my own account of the matter.

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

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

From this reading The truth is, I believe my narration will be more exactly in accordance with the facts of the case than Mr. Whacker’s would be.

plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

a form of address for a man

From this reading The truth is, I believe my narration will be more exactly in accordance with the facts of the case than Mr. Whacker’s would be.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading So, after all, my grandfather lost his opportunity of explaining to the Don how he came to build the Hall.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading The truth is, I believe my narration will be more exactly in accordance with the facts of the case than Mr. Whacker’s would be.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

not any; not one

From this reading No doubt he will do so as soon as the latter returns from his walk.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading So, after all, my grandfather lost his opportunity of explaining to the Don how he came to build the Hall.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading So, after all, my grandfather lost his opportunity of explaining to the Don how he came to build the Hall.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading But there are reasons why I prefer to give my own account of the matter.

like better; value more highly

From this reading But there are reasons why I prefer to give my own account of the matter.

on the contrary

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading But there are reasons why I prefer to give my own account of the matter.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

plural of “return” — document giving the tax collector information about the taxpayer's tax liability

From this reading No doubt he will do so as soon as the latter returns from his walk.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So, after all, my grandfather lost his opportunity of explaining to the Don how he came to build the Hall.

in the near future

From this reading No doubt he will do so as soon as the latter returns from his walk.

serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The truth is, I believe my narration will be more exactly in accordance with the facts of the case than Mr. Whacker’s would be.

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

From this reading So, after all, my grandfather lost his opportunity of explaining to the Don how he came to build the Hall.

in or at that place or location

From this reading But there are reasons why I prefer to give my own account of the matter.

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

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

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

From this reading So, after all, my grandfather lost his opportunity of explaining to the Don how he came to build the Hall.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading The truth is, I believe my narration will be more exactly in accordance with the facts of the case than Mr. Whacker’s would be.

expressing or given to expressing the truth

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

an event that departs from expectations

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

precisely as stated

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

the act of traveling by foot

From this reading No doubt he will do so as soon as the latter returns from his walk.

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

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

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

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

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

From this reading The truth is, I believe my narration will be more exactly in accordance with the facts of the case than Mr. Whacker’s would be.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading For, my grandfather (though as truthful as ever man was) having, like the rest of us, a great deal of human nature in him, did not always see very clearly what his own motives were; and, had he been asked why he had constructed this rather superfluous building, would have given an answer at variance with what Charley’s or mine would have been.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading But there are reasons why I prefer to give my own account of the matter.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading No doubt he will do so as soon as the latter returns from his walk.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The truth is, I believe my narration will be more exactly in accordance with the facts of the case than Mr. Whacker’s would be.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The truth is, I believe my narration will be more exactly in accordance with the facts of the case than Mr. Whacker’s would be.