Chapter X · Chapter 10

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

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

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

From this reading Aleck was dead!--there was no hope left!

(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 It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

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

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

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

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

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

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

in a state of sleep

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

the act of waking

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

plural of “back” — the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

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

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

have

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

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

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

a young person of either sex

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

the act of gathering something together

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

an alert cognitive state in which you are aware of yourself and your situation

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

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

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading Aleck was dead!--there was no hope left!

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

clear to the mind; with distinct mental discernment

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

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

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading SUNDAY EVENING.

opinion or judgment

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

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

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

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

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

set up or found

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

the act of departing

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

proceeding in small stages

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one (especially by death)

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

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

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

come to pass

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

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

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

filled or abounding with fog or mist

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

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

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading Aleck was dead!--there was no hope left!

sing with closed lips

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

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

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

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

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Aleck was dead!--there was no hope left!

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

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

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

a unit of time equal to 60 seconds or 1/60th of an hour

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

a particular point in time

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

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

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

not any; not one

From this reading Aleck was dead!--there was no hope left!

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

and nothing more

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

the time that has elapsed

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

the ability to recall past occurrences

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

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

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

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

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

past form of “rouse” — become active

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

the resistance encountered when one body is moved in contact with another

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

inflected form of “sink” — fall or descend to a lower place or level

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

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

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

an upholstered seat for more than one person

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

express in speech

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

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 It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

a following of one thing after another in time

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians

From this reading SUNDAY EVENING.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

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

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Aleck was dead!--there was no hope left!

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

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

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

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

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

precisely as stated

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

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

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

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

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

at the time that

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."

in or at the place that

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

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

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

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

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

author of the first novel by an African American that was published in the United States (1808-1870)

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was only by a very gradual process of recollection that the past came back upon me almost like a fresh story, and I was at least a minute rubbing my eyes, and collecting my thoughts, before I took in all the familiar objects in the room, from the sofa on which I found myself reposing, to the fire-place at which, with their backs turned to me, my father and Dr. Wilson were in close conversation.

inflected form of “wake” — be awake, be alert, be there

From this reading Where I was, why I was where I was, and what time of the day or night it might happen to be--were questions which presented themselves to my mind in hazy succession, as, roused from my slumbers by the hum of voices, I woke slowly to the consciousness that, though I had been asleep, I was not in bed.

the words that are spoken

From this reading My father's voice was low and serious, and at the moment when, having finished the process of awakening, I was going to speak, his words came slowly and distinctly to my ears, and sank down into my heart:-- "The thought of his parents' grief on hearing of the death--such a death, too!--of their only child, has been almost more than I could bear."