Chapter II

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

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

(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 Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

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

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

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

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

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

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

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

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

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

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war

From this reading THE FIRST SHOT OF THE BATTLE Tommy Remington, meanwhile, trudged on through the gathering darkness, his heart big with purpose.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading THE FIRST SHOT OF THE BATTLE Tommy Remington, meanwhile, trudged on through the gathering darkness, his heart big with purpose.

the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But now a new and charming vista was of a sudden opened to him.

(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

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

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

pleasing or delighting

From this reading But now a new and charming vista was of a sudden opened to him.

a travelling company of entertainers; including trained animals

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

carefully weighed

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading THE FIRST SHOT OF THE BATTLE Tommy Remington, meanwhile, trudged on through the gathering darkness, his heart big with purpose.

relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading THE FIRST SHOT OF THE BATTLE Tommy Remington, meanwhile, trudged on through the gathering darkness, his heart big with purpose.

plural of “fist” — a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

a group of persons together in one place

From this reading THE FIRST SHOT OF THE BATTLE Tommy Remington, meanwhile, trudged on through the gathering darkness, his heart big with purpose.

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

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

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

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading THE FIRST SHOT OF THE BATTLE Tommy Remington, meanwhile, trudged on through the gathering darkness, his heart big with purpose.

used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

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

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

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

From this reading THE FIRST SHOT OF THE BATTLE Tommy Remington, meanwhile, trudged on through the gathering darkness, his heart big with purpose.

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

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

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

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

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

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 The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

the act of managing something

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

at the same time but in another place

From this reading THE FIRST SHOT OF THE BATTLE Tommy Remington, meanwhile, trudged on through the gathering darkness, his heart big with purpose.

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

the act of extracting ores or coal etc from the earth

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

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

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse; usually sterile

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading But now a new and charming vista was of a sudden opened to him.

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

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

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

From this reading But now a new and charming vista was of a sudden opened to him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE FIRST SHOT OF THE BATTLE Tommy Remington, meanwhile, trudged on through the gathering darkness, his heart big with purpose.

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

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE FIRST SHOT OF THE BATTLE Tommy Remington, meanwhile, trudged on through the gathering darkness, his heart big with purpose.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading But now a new and charming vista was of a sudden opened to him.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

plural of “pocket” — a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

a sign posted in a public place as an advertisement

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading THE FIRST SHOT OF THE BATTLE Tommy Remington, meanwhile, trudged on through the gathering darkness, his heart big with purpose.

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

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

inflected form of “ram” — strike or drive against with a heavy impact

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

in the recent past

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

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

From this reading THE FIRST SHOT OF THE BATTLE Tommy Remington, meanwhile, trudged on through the gathering darkness, his heart big with purpose.

-ing form of “require” — require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

plural of “row” — an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

a statement of fundamental facts or principles

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

complete and without restriction or qualification; sometimes used informally as intensifiers

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

the act of firing a projectile

From this reading THE FIRST SHOT OF THE BATTLE Tommy Remington, meanwhile, trudged on through the gathering darkness, his heart big with purpose.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

find the solution to (a problem or question) or understand the meaning of

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading But now a new and charming vista was of a sudden opened to him.

a person whose occupation is teaching

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

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

From this reading THE FIRST SHOT OF THE BATTLE Tommy Remington, meanwhile, trudged on through the gathering darkness, his heart big with purpose.

a special situation

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading THE FIRST SHOT OF THE BATTLE Tommy Remington, meanwhile, trudged on through the gathering darkness, his heart big with purpose.

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

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

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

From this reading THE FIRST SHOT OF THE BATTLE Tommy Remington, meanwhile, trudged on through the gathering darkness, his heart big with purpose.

extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.

past form of “trudge” — walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud

From this reading THE FIRST SHOT OF THE BATTLE Tommy Remington, meanwhile, trudged on through the gathering darkness, his heart big with purpose.

the visual percept of a region

From this reading But now a new and charming vista was of a sudden opened to him.

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

From this reading But now a new and charming vista was of a sudden opened to him.

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

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

at the time that

From this reading Heretofore the mastery of the art of reading had appeared to him, when he considered the subject at all, as a thing requiring such tremendous effort as few people were capable of.

which person or people

From this reading Certainly he, who knew little beyond the rudiments of mining and the management of a mine mule, could never hope to solve the mystery of those rows of queer-looking characters he had seen sometimes in almanacs and old newspapers, and more recently on the circus poster he carried in his pocket.

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE FIRST SHOT OF THE BATTLE Tommy Remington, meanwhile, trudged on through the gathering darkness, his heart big with purpose.

the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising

From this reading The teacher had assured him that it was quite easy to learn to read,—that any one could do so who really tried,—and he rammed his fists deep down in his pockets and drew a long breath at the sheer wonder of the thing.