Chapter XXI · Chapter 21

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

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

a message whose content is at variance with reason

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

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

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

united by being of the same opinion

From this reading However he agreed with Iver that everything was for the best, and that they were entitled to congratulate their hostess and themselves on things at large.

in addition

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

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

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

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

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading Then Neeld had a turn over the engagement (a subject dull but safe!) and the proceedings were stopped only by Bob Broadley's headlong flight when the question of his response arose.

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

From this reading "Thank goodness, that's over!" said Mina snappishly, as she stepped out into the garden, followed by Mr Neeld.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading However he agreed with Iver that everything was for the best, and that they were entitled to congratulate their hostess and themselves on things at large.

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

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

as the agent of or on someone's part (usually expressed as “on behalf of” rather than “in behalf of”)

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading However he agreed with Iver that everything was for the best, and that they were entitled to congratulate their hostess and themselves on things at large.

move up and down repeatedly

From this reading Then Neeld had a turn over the engagement (a subject dull but safe!) and the proceedings were stopped only by Bob Broadley's headlong flight when the question of his response arose.

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

From this reading Then Neeld had a turn over the engagement (a subject dull but safe!) and the proceedings were stopped only by Bob Broadley's headlong flight when the question of his response arose.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

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

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

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

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

say something to someone that expresses praise

From this reading However he agreed with Iver that everything was for the best, and that they were entitled to congratulate their hostess and themselves on things at large.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

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

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

lacking in liveliness or animation

From this reading Then Neeld had a turn over the engagement (a subject dull but safe!) and the proceedings were stopped only by Bob Broadley's headlong flight when the question of his response arose.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

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

From this reading Then Neeld had a turn over the engagement (a subject dull but safe!) and the proceedings were stopped only by Bob Broadley's headlong flight when the question of his response arose.

having or showing great excitement and interest

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

qualified for by right according to law

From this reading However he agreed with Iver that everything was for the best, and that they were entitled to congratulate their hostess and themselves on things at large.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading However he agreed with Iver that everything was for the best, and that they were entitled to congratulate their hostess and themselves on things at large.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

a formation of aircraft in flight

From this reading Then Neeld had a turn over the engagement (a subject dull but safe!) and the proceedings were stopped only by Bob Broadley's headlong flight when the question of his response arose.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading "Thank goodness, that's over!" said Mina snappishly, as she stepped out into the garden, followed by Mr Neeld.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading However he agreed with Iver that everything was for the best, and that they were entitled to congratulate their hostess and themselves on things at large.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

English portrait and landscape painter (1727-1788)

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading "Thank goodness, that's over!" said Mina snappishly, as she stepped out into the garden, followed by Mr Neeld.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

that which is pleasing or valuable or useful

From this reading "Thank goodness, that's over!" said Mina snappishly, as she stepped out into the garden, followed by Mr Neeld.

inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

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

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

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

From this reading However he agreed with Iver that everything was for the best, and that they were entitled to congratulate their hostess and themselves on things at large.

with the head foremost

From this reading Then Neeld had a turn over the engagement (a subject dull but safe!) and the proceedings were stopped only by Bob Broadley's headlong flight when the question of his response arose.

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

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

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

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

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

From this reading Then Neeld had a turn over the engagement (a subject dull but safe!) and the proceedings were stopped only by Bob Broadley's headlong flight when the question of his response arose.

a woman host

From this reading However he agreed with Iver that everything was for the best, and that they were entitled to congratulate their hostess and themselves on things at large.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading However he agreed with Iver that everything was for the best, and that they were entitled to congratulate their hostess and themselves on things at large.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

moving to the inside of something

From this reading "Thank goodness, that's over!" said Mina snappishly, as she stepped out into the garden, followed by Mr Neeld.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

comparative of “iv” — being one more than three

From this reading However he agreed with Iver that everything was for the best, and that they were entitled to congratulate their hostess and themselves on things at large.

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

From this reading However he agreed with Iver that everything was for the best, and that they were entitled to congratulate their hostess and themselves on things at large.

for the most part

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

tropical Asian starlings

From this reading "Thank goodness, that's over!" said Mina snappishly, as she stepped out into the garden, followed by Mr Neeld.

a form of address for a man

From this reading "Thank goodness, that's over!" said Mina snappishly, as she stepped out into the garden, followed by Mr Neeld.

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

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

and nothing more

From this reading Then Neeld had a turn over the engagement (a subject dull but safe!) and the proceedings were stopped only by Bob Broadley's headlong flight when the question of his response arose.

addressing an audience formally (usually a long and rhetorical address and often pompous)

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading "Thank goodness, that's over!" said Mina snappishly, as she stepped out into the garden, followed by Mr Neeld.

above and across; more than

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked

From this reading Then Neeld had a turn over the engagement (a subject dull but safe!) and the proceedings were stopped only by Bob Broadley's headlong flight when the question of his response arose.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading Then Neeld had a turn over the engagement (a subject dull but safe!) and the proceedings were stopped only by Bob Broadley's headlong flight when the question of his response arose.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

show unwillingness towards

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

a result

From this reading Then Neeld had a turn over the engagement (a subject dull but safe!) and the proceedings were stopped only by Bob Broadley's headlong flight when the question of his response arose.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading Then Neeld had a turn over the engagement (a subject dull but safe!) and the proceedings were stopped only by Bob Broadley's headlong flight when the question of his response arose.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Thank goodness, that's over!" said Mina snappishly, as she stepped out into the garden, followed by Mr Neeld.

express in words

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

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

From this reading "Thank goodness, that's over!" said Mina snappishly, as she stepped out into the garden, followed by Mr Neeld.

in an ill-natured and snappish manner

From this reading "Thank goodness, that's over!" said Mina snappishly, as she stepped out into the garden, followed by Mr Neeld.

inflected form of “step” — shift or move by taking a step

From this reading "Thank goodness, that's over!" said Mina snappishly, as she stepped out into the garden, followed by Mr Neeld.

(of a nose) blocked

From this reading Then Neeld had a turn over the engagement (a subject dull but safe!) and the proceedings were stopped only by Bob Broadley's headlong flight when the question of his response arose.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Then Neeld had a turn over the engagement (a subject dull but safe!) and the proceedings were stopped only by Bob Broadley's headlong flight when the question of his response arose.

express gratitude or show appreciation to

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading However he agreed with Iver that everything was for the best, and that they were entitled to congratulate their hostess and themselves on things at large.

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

From this reading "Thank goodness, that's over!" said Mina snappishly, as she stepped out into the garden, followed by Mr Neeld.

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

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading However he agreed with Iver that everything was for the best, and that they were entitled to congratulate their hostess and themselves on things at large.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading However he agreed with Iver that everything was for the best, and that they were entitled to congratulate their hostess and themselves on things at large.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Then Neeld had a turn over the engagement (a subject dull but safe!) and the proceedings were stopped only by Bob Broadley's headlong flight when the question of his response arose.

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

From this reading However he agreed with Iver that everything was for the best, and that they were entitled to congratulate their hostess and themselves on things at large.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading However he agreed with Iver that everything was for the best, and that they were entitled to congratulate their hostess and themselves on things at large.

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

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

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

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading Then Neeld had a turn over the engagement (a subject dull but safe!) and the proceedings were stopped only by Bob Broadley's headlong flight when the question of his response arose.

not common or ordinarily encountered; unusually great in amount or remarkable in character or kind

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.

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

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

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

From this reading However he agreed with Iver that everything was for the best, and that they were entitled to congratulate their hostess and themselves on things at large.

at the time that

From this reading Then Neeld had a turn over the engagement (a subject dull but safe!) and the proceedings were stopped only by Bob Broadley's headlong flight when the question of his response arose.

in the company of; together with

From this reading However he agreed with Iver that everything was for the best, and that they were entitled to congratulate their hostess and themselves on things at large.

(used as an intensifier) extremely well

From this reading Gainsborough grew quite enthusiastic over it; and Neeld thought it was wonderfully good (if it had not happened, of course, to be by force of circumstances an absurdity from beginning to end).

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Cecily was content to say, "Thank you," but her father could not refuse himself the privilege of reply; the reply was on her behalf, but it was mainly about himself--also a not uncommon characteristic of after-dinner oratory.