Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

matters of personal concern

From this reading He never took no hand in public affairs, nor offered for the Borough Council, nor nothing like that.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading For praise, though cheap, is always welcome, and he had a great art to be generous with what cost him nothing.

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

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

past form of “applaud” — clap one's hands or shout after performances to indicate approval

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading For praise, though cheap, is always welcome, and he had a great art to be generous with what cost him nothing.

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

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

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

From this reading For praise, though cheap, is always welcome, and he had a great art to be generous with what cost him nothing.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

a small piece or quantity of something

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

show off

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

one of the administrative divisions of a large city

From this reading He never took no hand in public affairs, nor offered for the Borough Council, nor nothing like that.

plural of “brain” — that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

relatively low in price or charging low prices

From this reading For praise, though cheap, is always welcome, and he had a great art to be generous with what cost him nothing.

showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor

From this reading For praise, though cheap, is always welcome, and he had a great art to be generous with what cost him nothing.

a body serving in an administrative capacity

From this reading He never took no hand in public affairs, nor offered for the Borough Council, nor nothing like that.

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

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

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

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

pull, as against a resistance

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

at any time

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading 'Twas just the very genius of selfishness that sped him on his way victorious every time.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He never took no hand in public affairs, nor offered for the Borough Council, nor nothing like that.

willing to give and share unstintingly

From this reading For praise, though cheap, is always welcome, and he had a great art to be generous with what cost him nothing.

someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality

From this reading 'Twas just the very genius of selfishness that sped him on his way victorious every time.

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

From this reading For praise, though cheap, is always welcome, and he had a great art to be generous with what cost him nothing.

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

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading He never took no hand in public affairs, nor offered for the Borough Council, nor nothing like that.

be in charge of, act on, or dispose of

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

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

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

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

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

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

From this reading 'Twas just the very genius of selfishness that sped him on his way victorious every time.

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

From this reading He never took no hand in public affairs, nor offered for the Borough Council, nor nothing like that.

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

From this reading For praise, though cheap, is always welcome, and he had a great art to be generous with what cost him nothing.

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

and nothing more

From this reading 'Twas just the very genius of selfishness that sped him on his way victorious every time.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading He never took no hand in public affairs, nor offered for the Borough Council, nor nothing like that.

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

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

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

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

the force of workers available

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

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

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

not any; not one

From this reading He never took no hand in public affairs, nor offered for the Borough Council, nor nothing like that.

not one, and not any

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading He never took no hand in public affairs, nor offered for the Borough Council, nor nothing like that.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading 'Twas just the very genius of selfishness that sped him on his way victorious every time.

past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading He never took no hand in public affairs, nor offered for the Borough Council, nor nothing like that.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

an expression of approval and commendation

From this reading For praise, though cheap, is always welcome, and he had a great art to be generous with what cost him nothing.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading He never took no hand in public affairs, nor offered for the Borough Council, nor nothing like that.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

traverse or travel on (a body of water)

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

filled with satisfaction

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

stinginess resulting from a concern for your own welfare and a disregard of others

From this reading 'Twas just the very genius of selfishness that sped him on his way victorious every time.

a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

inflected form of “speed” — move hurridly

From this reading 'Twas just the very genius of selfishness that sped him on his way victorious every time.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading 'Twas just the very genius of selfishness that sped him on his way victorious every time.

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

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading 'Twas just the very genius of selfishness that sped him on his way victorious every time.

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

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading He never took no hand in public affairs, nor offered for the Borough Council, nor nothing like that.

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

From this reading 'Twas just the very genius of selfishness that sped him on his way victorious every time.

being of use or service

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

precisely as stated

From this reading 'Twas just the very genius of selfishness that sped him on his way victorious every time.

having won

From this reading 'Twas just the very genius of selfishness that sped him on his way victorious every time.

United States filmmaker who with his brothers founded the movie studio that produced the first talking picture (1881-1958)

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading 'Twas just the very genius of selfishness that sped him on his way victorious every time.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

accept gladly

From this reading For praise, though cheap, is always welcome, and he had a great art to be generous with what cost him nothing.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

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

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

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

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading For praise, though cheap, is always welcome, and he had a great art to be generous with what cost him nothing.

in or at the place that

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

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

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading But he never went back on nothing, and near though he might sail to the wind, none ever had a handle by which to drag him before the Law.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

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

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.

but in spite of that

From this reading He might have been a useful man in Little Silver, where we didn't boast more brains than we needed, nor yet enough; but John Warner said he weren't one of the clever ones and felt very satisfied with them that were, and applauded such men as did a bit of work for nothing out of their public spirit.