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 The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

(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 She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading THE CHOICE OF AN OCCUPATION.

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

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

a fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

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

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

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

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

a youthful male person

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

a person who is in charge

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading THE CHOICE OF AN OCCUPATION.

an institution created to conduct business

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

feeling or showing worry or solicitude

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

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

From this reading "Why don't you want me to go lumbering, mother?" he inquired in a tone that had a touch of petulance in it.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

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

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

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

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

the act of giving

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading "Why don't you want me to go lumbering, mother?" he inquired in a tone that had a touch of petulance in it.

the act of departing

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

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

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

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

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

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

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

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

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

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

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

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

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

a slight suggestion or vague understanding

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading "Why don't you want me to go lumbering, mother?" he inquired in a tone that had a touch of petulance in it.

not capable of being separated

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

a town on the Hudson River in New York

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

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 She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

the trade of cutting or preparing or selling timber

From this reading "Why don't you want me to go lumbering, mother?" he inquired in a tone that had a touch of petulance in it.

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

From this reading "Why don't you want me to go lumbering, mother?" he inquired in a tone that had a touch of petulance in it.

plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading "Why don't you want me to go lumbering, mother?" he inquired in a tone that had a touch of petulance in it.

possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

the anxious feeling you have when you have the jitters

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading THE CHOICE OF AN OCCUPATION.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE CHOICE OF AN OCCUPATION.

and nothing more

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

To move from a closed position.

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

an irritable petulant feeling

From this reading "Why don't you want me to go lumbering, mother?" he inquired in a tone that had a touch of petulance in it.

intense aversion

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

inflected form of “shrink” — wither, as with a loss of moisture

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

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

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

possessive form of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

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

From this reading THE CHOICE OF AN OCCUPATION.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

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

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

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

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

the quality of a person's voice

From this reading "Why don't you want me to go lumbering, mother?" he inquired in a tone that had a touch of petulance in it.

make physical contact with, come in contact with

From this reading "Why don't you want me to go lumbering, mother?" he inquired in a tone that had a touch of petulance in it.

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

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

precisely as stated

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading "Why don't you want me to go lumbering, mother?" he inquired in a tone that had a touch of petulance in it.

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

From this reading The fact was that Mrs. Kingston felt a strong repugnance to her son's following in his father's footsteps, so far as his occupation was concerned.

belonging to which person

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

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

From this reading "Why don't you want me to go lumbering, mother?" he inquired in a tone that had a touch of petulance in it.

the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

women as distinguished from men

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading Frank had some inkling of his mother's feelings, but, boy like, thought of them as only the natural nervousness of womankind; and his heart being set upon going to the woods, he was not very open to argument.

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

From this reading She dreaded the danger that was inseparable from it, and shrank from the idea of giving up the boy, whose company was now the chief delight of her life, for all the long winter months that would be so dreary without him.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Why don't you want me to go lumbering, mother?" he inquired in a tone that had a touch of petulance in it.