Chapter XX · Chapter 20

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

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Mr. Carteret said nothing more about the division or the second reading; he only murmured that they were keeping the newspapers for him.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading He had gathered strength, though this strength was not much in his voice; it was mainly in his brighter eyes and his air of being pleased with himself.

(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 "I'm rather behind--I'm rather behind," he went on; "but two or three quiet mornings will make it all right.

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

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

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

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading "I'm rather behind--I'm rather behind," he went on; "but two or three quiet mornings will make it all right.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading He had gathered strength, though this strength was not much in his voice; it was mainly in his brighter eyes and his air of being pleased with himself.

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

comparative of “bright” — emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading He had gathered strength, though this strength was not much in his voice; it was mainly in his brighter eyes and his air of being pleased with himself.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "I'm rather behind--I'm rather behind," he went on; "but two or three quiet mornings will make it all right.

An overhead roof or structure, such as the high vaulted ceiling of an ancient library.

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

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

From this reading Mr. Carteret said nothing more about the division or the second reading; he only murmured that they were keeping the newspapers for him.

showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

the spatial property resulting from the arrangement of parts in relation to each other and to the whole

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

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

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

greatly pleased

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

an army unit large enough to sustain combat

From this reading Mr. Carteret said nothing more about the division or the second reading; he only murmured that they were keeping the newspapers for him.

opinion or judgment

From this reading He had gathered strength, though this strength was not much in his voice; it was mainly in his brighter eyes and his air of being pleased with himself.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

brought together in one place

From this reading He had gathered strength, though this strength was not much in his voice; it was mainly in his brighter eyes and his air of being pleased with himself.

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

From this reading He had gathered strength, though this strength was not much in his voice; it was mainly in his brighter eyes and his air of being pleased with himself.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

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

From this reading He had gathered strength, though this strength was not much in his voice; it was mainly in his brighter eyes and his air of being pleased with himself.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

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

From this reading Mr. Carteret said nothing more about the division or the second reading; he only murmured that they were keeping the newspapers for him.

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

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

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

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

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

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

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

From this reading "I'm rather behind--I'm rather behind," he went on; "but two or three quiet mornings will make it all right.

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

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

moving to the inside of something

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He had gathered strength, though this strength was not much in his voice; it was mainly in his brighter eyes and his air of being pleased with himself.

conformity or harmony

From this reading Mr. Carteret said nothing more about the division or the second reading; he only murmured that they were keeping the newspapers for him.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

for the most part

From this reading He had gathered strength, though this strength was not much in his voice; it was mainly in his brighter eyes and his air of being pleased with himself.

engage in

From this reading "I'm rather behind--I'm rather behind," he went on; "but two or three quiet mornings will make it all right.

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

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

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

From this reading Mr. Carteret said nothing more about the division or the second reading; he only murmured that they were keeping the newspapers for him.

plural of “morning” — the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading "I'm rather behind--I'm rather behind," he went on; "but two or three quiet mornings will make it all right.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Mr. Carteret said nothing more about the division or the second reading; he only murmured that they were keeping the newspapers for him.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading He had gathered strength, though this strength was not much in his voice; it was mainly in his brighter eyes and his air of being pleased with himself.

past form of “murmur” — speak softly or indistinctly

From this reading Mr. Carteret said nothing more about the division or the second reading; he only murmured that they were keeping the newspapers for him.

plural of “newspaper” — a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements

From this reading Mr. Carteret said nothing more about the division or the second reading; he only murmured that they were keeping the newspapers for him.

cut slightly, with a razor

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

possessive form of “nick” — an impression in a surface (as made by a blow)

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He had gathered strength, though this strength was not much in his voice; it was mainly in his brighter eyes and his air of being pleased with himself.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Mr. Carteret said nothing more about the division or the second reading; he only murmured that they were keeping the newspapers for him.

held or filled or in use

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

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

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

and nothing more

From this reading Mr. Carteret said nothing more about the division or the second reading; he only murmured that they were keeping the newspapers for him.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

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

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

plural of “pillow” — a cushion to support the head of a sleeping person

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

experiencing or manifesting pleasure

From this reading He had gathered strength, though this strength was not much in his voice; it was mainly in his brighter eyes and his air of being pleased with himself.

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

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

inflected form of “prop” — support by placing against something solid or rigid

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading "I'm rather behind--I'm rather behind," he went on; "but two or three quiet mornings will make it all right.

on the contrary

From this reading "I'm rather behind--I'm rather behind," he went on; "but two or three quiet mornings will make it all right.

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading Mr. Carteret said nothing more about the division or the second reading; he only murmured that they were keeping the newspapers for him.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

-ing form of “reply” — react verbally

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

possessing material wealth

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

precisely, exactly

From this reading "I'm rather behind--I'm rather behind," he went on; "but two or three quiet mornings will make it all right.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

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

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

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

From this reading Mr. Carteret said nothing more about the division or the second reading; he only murmured that they were keeping the newspapers for him.

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

refrain from harming

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

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 XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading He had gathered strength, though this strength was not much in his voice; it was mainly in his brighter eyes and his air of being pleased with himself.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

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

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

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

From this reading Mr. Carteret said nothing more about the division or the second reading; he only murmured that they were keeping the newspapers for him.

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

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He had gathered strength, though this strength was not much in his voice; it was mainly in his brighter eyes and his air of being pleased with himself.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading "I'm rather behind--I'm rather behind," he went on; "but two or three quiet mornings will make it all right.

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

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading "I'm rather behind--I'm rather behind," he went on; "but two or three quiet mornings will make it all right.

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

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

a vivid mental image

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

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

From this reading He had gathered strength, though this strength was not much in his voice; it was mainly in his brighter eyes and his air of being pleased with himself.

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

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

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

From this reading "I'm rather behind--I'm rather behind," he went on; "but two or three quiet mornings will make it all right.

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

From this reading Mr. Carteret said nothing more about the division or the second reading; he only murmured that they were keeping the newspapers for him.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

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

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

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

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading "I'm rather behind--I'm rather behind," he went on; "but two or three quiet mornings will make it all right.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He had gathered strength, though this strength was not much in his voice; it was mainly in his brighter eyes and his air of being pleased with himself.

being three more than thirty

From this reading XXXIII The rich old man was propped up on pillows, and in this attitude, beneath the high, spare canopy of his bed, presented himself to Nick's picture-seeking vision as a figure in a clever composition or a "story."

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading He put out his hand and said, "I daresay you know why I sent for you"; on which Nick sank into the seat he had occupied the day before, replying that he had been delighted to come, whatever the reason.