Chapter XV · Chapter 15

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

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

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

From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.

the part of the day between noon and evening

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

in addition

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

a quantity of money

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

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

From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.

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

From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.

third-person singular of “bate” — moderate or restrain; lessen the force of

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

highly favored or fortunate (as e.g. by divine grace)

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

past form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

possessing an education (especially having more than average knowledge)

From this reading Having made a moderate fortune, he had liberally educated his sons.

the tendency of a body to return to its original shape after it has been stretched or compressed

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

jostling with the elbows

From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.

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

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

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

From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.

an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading Having made a moderate fortune, he had liberally educated his sons.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

gather, as of natural products

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

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

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

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

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Having made a moderate fortune, he had liberally educated his sons.

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

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

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

From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

of great significance or value

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

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

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

the relation between propositions that cannot both be true at the same time

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

a formal or official examination

From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

and nothing more

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

freely in a nonliteral manner

From this reading Having made a moderate fortune, he had liberally educated his sons.

provided with artificial light

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Having made a moderate fortune, he had liberally educated his sons.

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

From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

the force of workers available

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

involving the mind or an intellectual process

From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.

preside over

From this reading Having made a moderate fortune, he had liberally educated his sons.

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

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

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

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

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

From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

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

From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

the quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.

(of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

Identical; not different.

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

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

From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.

plural of “sheet” — any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.

tending to diminish or disparage

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

in a grave and sober manner

From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.

plural of “son” — a male human offspring

From this reading Having made a moderate fortune, he had liberally educated his sons.

plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.

of high or superior quality or performance

From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.

a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.

express in words

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

a sudden outburst of anger

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

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

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

in or at that place or location

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

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

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

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

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

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

From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

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

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading As they sat elbowing the deal table, sheets of old newspapers under their inspection, Trenholme told his story more soberly.

marked by warmth of feeling like kindness and sympathy and generosity

From this reading It seemed that his father had been a warmhearted man, with something superior in his mental qualities and acquirements.

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

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

at the time that

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

which person or people

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was a delightful proof of the blessed elasticity of inconsistency in human lives, a proof also that there was in these two men more of good than of evil, that that same evening, when the lamp was lit, they discussed the problem that had been mooted in the afternoon with a fair amount of good temper.

the words that are spoken

From this reading He told it roughly, emphasising detail, slighting important matter, as men tell stories who see them too near to get the just proportion; but out of his words Bates had wit to glean the truth.