Chapter XIII · Chapter 13

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

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

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

From this reading I ain't a-scared, if that's what you think."

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "Seventeen," said Tom, "but it wasn't squealing I was thinking about.

filled with fear or apprehension

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

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

From this reading I ain't a-scared, if that's what you think."

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

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

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

From this reading How old are you?"

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

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

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

rid of obstructions

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

third-person singular of “decide” — reach, make, or come to a decision about something

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

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

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

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

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

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

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

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

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

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

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

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

From this reading How old are you?"

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

From this reading "Seventeen," said Tom, "but it wasn't squealing I was thinking about.

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

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

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

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "Seventeen," said Tom, "but it wasn't squealing I was thinking about.

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

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

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

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

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

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

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

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

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

From this reading How old are you?"

a judge of a probate court

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

third-person singular of “ponder” — reflect deeply on a subject

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

any member of a ship's crew

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

express in words

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

being one more than sixteen

From this reading "Seventeen," said Tom, "but it wasn't squealing I was thinking about.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

a male child (a familiar term of address to a boy)

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

past form of “sound” — appear in a certain way

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

express in speech

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

having or making a high-pitched sound such as that made by a mouse or a rusty hinge

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

the quality of being direct and straightforward

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

express in words

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

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

From this reading I ain't a-scared, if that's what you think."

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

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

a special situation

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading I ain't a-scared, if that's what you think."

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading "Seventeen," said Tom, "but it wasn't squealing I was thinking about.

The passage at the back of the mouth.

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

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

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

male cat

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

hard to endure

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

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

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

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

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

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

From this reading "Seventeen," said Tom, "but it wasn't squealing I was thinking about.

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

From this reading "Seventeen," said Tom, "but it wasn't squealing I was thinking about.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

at the time that

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

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

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

in the company of; together with

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

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

From this reading HE PONDERS AND DECIDES BETWEEN TWO NEAR RELATIONS When Tom at length did speak his own voice sounded strange to him; but he said what he had to say with a simple straightforwardness which in ordinary circumstances would have carried conviction.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.

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

From this reading "If you'd let me say something," he said, trying to keep his throat clear, "I'd like to tell you----" "It's the best thing, sonny," said the man in the sailor suit; "you needn't be afraid of squealing.