Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

filled with fear or apprehension

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

(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 All through the second year of his holiday he had noticed in himself the tendency of the big, strong-fibered animal to be indolent and overfed.

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

From this reading All through the second year of his holiday he had noticed in himself the tendency of the big, strong-fibered animal to be indolent and overfed.

a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading All through the second year of his holiday he had noticed in himself the tendency of the big, strong-fibered animal to be indolent and overfed.

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

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

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

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading All through the second year of his holiday he had noticed in himself the tendency of the big, strong-fibered animal to be indolent and overfed.

state capital and largest city of Massachusetts; a major center for banking and financial services

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

plural of “cigar” — a roll of tobacco for smoking

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

a short mixed drink

From this reading With a little encouragement he could have contracted the incessant cocktail and Scotch-and-soda habits of some of his traveling compatriots.

plural of “compatriot” — a person from your own country

From this reading With a little encouragement he could have contracted the incessant cocktail and Scotch-and-soda habits of some of his traveling compatriots.

past form of “conceive” — have the idea for

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

reduced in size or pulled together

From this reading With a little encouragement he could have contracted the incessant cocktail and Scotch-and-soda habits of some of his traveling compatriots.

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

From this reading With a little encouragement he could have contracted the incessant cocktail and Scotch-and-soda habits of some of his traveling compatriots.

joined together especially in a pair or pairs

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

plural of “dare” — a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

United States writer and leading exponent of transcendentalism (1803-1882)

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

the expression of approval and support

From this reading With a little encouragement he could have contracted the incessant cocktail and Scotch-and-soda habits of some of his traveling compatriots.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

granted exemption

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

use of physical or mental energy; hard work

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

plural of “habit” — an established custom

From this reading With a little encouragement he could have contracted the incessant cocktail and Scotch-and-soda habits of some of his traveling compatriots.

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

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading With a little encouragement he could have contracted the incessant cocktail and Scotch-and-soda habits of some of his traveling compatriots.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

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

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

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

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

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

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure

From this reading All through the second year of his holiday he had noticed in himself the tendency of the big, strong-fibered animal to be indolent and overfed.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

plural of “hotel” — a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

an instinctive motive

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

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

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing

From this reading With a little encouragement he could have contracted the incessant cocktail and Scotch-and-soda habits of some of his traveling compatriots.

disinclined to work or exertion

From this reading All through the second year of his holiday he had noticed in himself the tendency of the big, strong-fibered animal to be indolent and overfed.

the act of indulging or gratifying a desire

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

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

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

set down according to a plan

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

moving slowly and gently

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

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

From this reading With a little encouragement he could have contracted the incessant cocktail and Scotch-and-soda habits of some of his traveling compatriots.

-ing form of “lounge” — sit or recline comfortably

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

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

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

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

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

being perceived or observed

From this reading All through the second year of his holiday he had noticed in himself the tendency of the big, strong-fibered animal to be indolent and overfed.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

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

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

win a victory over

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

too well nourished

From this reading All through the second year of his holiday he had noticed in himself the tendency of the big, strong-fibered animal to be indolent and overfed.

the representation of what is perceived; basic component in the formation of a concept

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

a future prospect or potential

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

on the contrary

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

inflected form of “sap” — deplete

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

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

From this reading With a little encouragement he could have contracted the incessant cocktail and Scotch-and-soda habits of some of his traveling compatriots.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading All through the second year of his holiday he had noticed in himself the tendency of the big, strong-fibered animal to be indolent and overfed.

the state of being asleep

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

the act of smoking tobacco or other substances

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

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

From this reading With a little encouragement he could have contracted the incessant cocktail and Scotch-and-soda habits of some of his traveling compatriots.

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

From this reading All through the second year of his holiday he had noticed in himself the tendency of the big, strong-fibered animal to be indolent and overfed.

an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

From this reading All through the second year of his holiday he had noticed in himself the tendency of the big, strong-fibered animal to be indolent and overfed.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

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

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading All through the second year of his holiday he had noticed in himself the tendency of the big, strong-fibered animal to be indolent and overfed.

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

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

the act of going from one place to another

From this reading With a little encouragement he could have contracted the incessant cocktail and Scotch-and-soda habits of some of his traveling compatriots.

get lost, as without warning or explanation

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

forceful exertion

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

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

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading On the principle laid down by Emerson that every man is as lazy as he dares to be he got into the way of sleeping late, of lounging in the public places of hotels, and smoking too many cigars.

plural of “weakness” — a flaw or weak point

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

at the time that

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

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

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But it was not the fact that he had more money than he needed of which he was afraid; it was rather the perception that the possibility of indulging himself--coupled with what he conceived to be a kind of duty in doing it--was sapping his vigor.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

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

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading All through the second year of his holiday he had noticed in himself the tendency of the big, strong-fibered animal to be indolent and overfed.

but in spite of that

From this reading He excused these weaknesses on the ground that when he had returned to Boston, and got back to his ordinary round of work and exercise, they would vanish, without having to be overcome; and yet the nearer he drew to his old home, the less impulse he felt for exertion.