Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

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

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

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

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

past form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

plural of “blunder” — an embarrassing mistake

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

a race between candidates for elective office

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

rid of obstructions

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

making or willing to make concessions

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

very strong; urgently felt

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

freedom to act or judge on one's own

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

past form of “display” — to show, make visible or apparent

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

a Spanish gentleman or nobleman

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

without doubt; certainly

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

of or associated with a church (especially a Christian Church)

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

forced or compelled or put in force

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

represented as greater than is true or reasonable

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

a rise in the temperature of the body; frequently a symptom of infection

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

a person of French nationality

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

to an extraordinary extent or degree

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

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

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

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

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

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

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

a lack of patience; irritation with anything that causes delay

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

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

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

the state of being inactive

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

having much knowledge or education

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

having many complexly arranged elements; elaborate

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

by good fortune

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

an amount of time

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

full of difficulty or confusion or bewilderment

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

capital of the state of South Dakota; located in central South Dakota on the Missouri river

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

established beyond doubt

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

with intention; in an intentional manner

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

in the recent past

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

Old World crocus having purple or white flowers with aromatic pungent orange stigmas used in flavoring food

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

a person who is head of an administrative department of government

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

using or enjoying something jointly with others

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

direct the course; determine the direction of travelling

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

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

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

timid by nature or revealing timidity

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

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

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

past form of “tremble” — move or jerk quickly and involuntarily up and down or sideways

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

not inclined to society or companionship

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

precisely as stated

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

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

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

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

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

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

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

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

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.

which person or people

From this reading He realised that this thin little man with the saffron face, who always trembled with fever and displayed such exaggerated, timorous discretion, was in reality well informed, mixed up in everything.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading IN his anxiety to bring things to a finish, Pierre wished to begin his campaign on the very next day.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The question greatly perplexed him; however, on opening his door that morning he luckily perceived Don Vigilio in the passage, and with a sudden inspiration asked him to step inside.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading But on whom should he first call if he were to steer clear of blunders in that intricate and conceited ecclesiastical world?

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading At one period it had seemed to Pierre that the secretary purposely avoided him, doubtless for fear of compromising himself; but recently Don Vigilio had proved less unsociable, as though he were not far from sharing the impatience which must be consuming the young Frenchman amidst his long enforced inactivity.