Chapter VII · Chapter 7

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

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

to or in a foreign country

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

in the past

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

(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 The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

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

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

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

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

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

From this reading But speculate as they might they could reach no satisfactory conclusion, and were obliged to wait for what the morning and the train might bring.

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

use to one's advantage

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

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

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading But speculate as they might they could reach no satisfactory conclusion, and were obliged to wait for what the morning and the train might bring.

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But speculate as they might they could reach no satisfactory conclusion, and were obliged to wait for what the morning and the train might bring.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading But speculate as they might they could reach no satisfactory conclusion, and were obliged to wait for what the morning and the train might bring.

the legislature of the United States government

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

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

From this reading But speculate as they might they could reach no satisfactory conclusion, and were obliged to wait for what the morning and the train might bring.

causing distress or worry or anxiety

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

a vote to select the winner of a position or political office

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

being one more than ten

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is held awaiting further troops and supplies

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But speculate as they might they could reach no satisfactory conclusion, and were obliged to wait for what the morning and the train might bring.

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

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

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

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

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

From this reading WHO IS GRETCHEN?

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

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

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

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

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

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

past form of “intervene” — get involved, so as to alter or hinder an action, or through force or threat of force

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

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

From this reading WHO IS GRETCHEN?

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading But speculate as they might they could reach no satisfactory conclusion, and were obliged to wait for what the morning and the train might bring.

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading But speculate as they might they could reach no satisfactory conclusion, and were obliged to wait for what the morning and the train might bring.

a form of address for a man

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

not any; not one

From this reading But speculate as they might they could reach no satisfactory conclusion, and were obliged to wait for what the morning and the train might bring.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

under a moral obligation to do something

From this reading But speculate as they might they could reach no satisfactory conclusion, and were obliged to wait for what the morning and the train might bring.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

inflected form of “outgrow” — grow too large or too mature for

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

an organization to gain political power

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading But speculate as they might they could reach no satisfactory conclusion, and were obliged to wait for what the morning and the train might bring.

past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

not arrogant or presuming

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

giving satisfaction

From this reading But speculate as they might they could reach no satisfactory conclusion, and were obliged to wait for what the morning and the train might bring.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds

From this reading But speculate as they might they could reach no satisfactory conclusion, and were obliged to wait for what the morning and the train might bring.

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

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

make a strenuous or labored effort

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

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

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

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

From this reading But speculate as they might they could reach no satisfactory conclusion, and were obliged to wait for what the morning and the train might bring.

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

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

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

From this reading But speculate as they might they could reach no satisfactory conclusion, and were obliged to wait for what the morning and the train might bring.

United States film actor who appeared in many films with Katharine Hepburn (1900-1967)

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

create by training and teaching

From this reading But speculate as they might they could reach no satisfactory conclusion, and were obliged to wait for what the morning and the train might bring.

causing difficulty or annoyance

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading But speculate as they might they could reach no satisfactory conclusion, and were obliged to wait for what the morning and the train might bring.

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

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

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

From this reading But speculate as they might they could reach no satisfactory conclusion, and were obliged to wait for what the morning and the train might bring.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading But speculate as they might they could reach no satisfactory conclusion, and were obliged to wait for what the morning and the train might bring.

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

From this reading This was the question which Mr. and Mrs. Tracy asked of themselves and each other many times during the hours which intervened between their retiring and rising.

which person or people

From this reading WHO IS GRETCHEN?

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

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

From this reading The party had been a success, and Frank felt that his election to Congress was almost certain; but of what avail would all this be if he lost his foothold at Tracy Park, as he was sure to do if a woman appeared upon the scene.

a late time of life

From this reading Both he and his wife had outgrown the life of eleven years ago, and could not go back to it without a struggle, and it is not strange if both wished that the troublesome brother had remained abroad instead of coming home so suddenly and disturbing all their plans.