Chapter XXIX · A Cornucopia Full of Gifts

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

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The preliminary exercises, although they were of the highest artistic excellence, had been listened to with but half an ear.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

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

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

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

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

relating to or characteristic of art or artists

From this reading The preliminary exercises, although they were of the highest artistic excellence, had been listened to with but half an ear.

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

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The next to the last evening of this Rose-Week was at hand.

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

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The preliminary exercises, although they were of the highest artistic excellence, had been listened to with but half an ear.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The preliminary exercises, although they were of the highest artistic excellence, had been listened to with but half an ear.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Only when the American had taken his place at the reading-desk did the public experience that piquant satisfaction which one expresses in the three words: “Now it is coming!”

someone who is victorious by force of arms

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

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

From this reading Only when the American had taken his place at the reading-desk did the public experience that piquant satisfaction which one expresses in the three words: “Now it is coming!”

the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading The preliminary exercises, although they were of the highest artistic excellence, had been listened to with but half an ear.

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

From this reading The next to the last evening of this Rose-Week was at hand.

the quality of excelling; possessing good qualities in high degree

From this reading The preliminary exercises, although they were of the highest artistic excellence, had been listened to with but half an ear.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading In the hall great excitement reigned.

plural of “exercise” — the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit

From this reading The preliminary exercises, although they were of the highest artistic excellence, had been listened to with but half an ear.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading Only when the American had taken his place at the reading-desk did the public experience that piquant satisfaction which one expresses in the three words: “Now it is coming!”

plural of “express” — mail that is distributed by a rapid and efficient system

From this reading Only when the American had taken his place at the reading-desk did the public experience that piquant satisfaction which one expresses in the three words: “Now it is coming!”

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

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

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading The preliminary exercises, although they were of the highest artistic excellence, had been listened to with but half an ear.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading In the hall great excitement reigned.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading The next to the last evening of this Rose-Week was at hand.

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

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

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

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The preliminary exercises, although they were of the highest artistic excellence, had been listened to with but half an ear.

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

From this reading Only when the American had taken his place at the reading-desk did the public experience that piquant satisfaction which one expresses in the three words: “Now it is coming!”

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

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

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

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

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

someone who is the first to think of or make something

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

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

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Only when the American had taken his place at the reading-desk did the public experience that piquant satisfaction which one expresses in the three words: “Now it is coming!”

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

immediately past

From this reading The next to the last evening of this Rose-Week was at hand.

past form of “listen” — hear with intention

From this reading The preliminary exercises, although they were of the highest artistic excellence, had been listened to with but half an ear.

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

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

the property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

the location of something surrounded by other things

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

immediately following in time or order

From this reading The next to the last evening of this Rose-Week was at hand.

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

From this reading Only when the American had taken his place at the reading-desk did the public experience that piquant satisfaction which one expresses in the three words: “Now it is coming!”

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The next to the last evening of this Rose-Week was at hand.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Only when the American had taken his place at the reading-desk did the public experience that piquant satisfaction which one expresses in the three words: “Now it is coming!”

and nothing more

From this reading Only when the American had taken his place at the reading-desk did the public experience that piquant satisfaction which one expresses in the three words: “Now it is coming!”

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

having an agreeably pungent taste

From this reading Only when the American had taken his place at the reading-desk did the public experience that piquant satisfaction which one expresses in the three words: “Now it is coming!”

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Only when the American had taken his place at the reading-desk did the public experience that piquant satisfaction which one expresses in the three words: “Now it is coming!”

denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important

From this reading The preliminary exercises, although they were of the highest artistic excellence, had been listened to with but half an ear.

the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading Only when the American had taken his place at the reading-desk did the public experience that piquant satisfaction which one expresses in the three words: “Now it is coming!”

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

From this reading Only when the American had taken his place at the reading-desk did the public experience that piquant satisfaction which one expresses in the three words: “Now it is coming!”

inflected form of “refer” — make reference to

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

past form of “reign” — have sovereign power

From this reading In the hall great excitement reigned.

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

From this reading The next to the last evening of this Rose-Week was at hand.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation

From this reading Only when the American had taken his place at the reading-desk did the public experience that piquant satisfaction which one expresses in the three words: “Now it is coming!”

someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Only when the American had taken his place at the reading-desk did the public experience that piquant satisfaction which one expresses in the three words: “Now it is coming!”

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

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

From this reading The next to the last evening of this Rose-Week was at hand.

in or at that place or location

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

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

From this reading The preliminary exercises, although they were of the highest artistic excellence, had been listened to with but half an ear.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

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

From this reading The next to the last evening of this Rose-Week was at hand.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading Only when the American had taken his place at the reading-desk did the public experience that piquant satisfaction which one expresses in the three words: “Now it is coming!”

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

From this reading The next to the last evening of this Rose-Week was at hand.

not known

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

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

From this reading The next to the last evening of this Rose-Week was at hand.

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

From this reading The preliminary exercises, although they were of the highest artistic excellence, had been listened to with but half an ear.

at the time that

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

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

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

in the company of; together with

From this reading The preliminary exercises, although they were of the highest artistic excellence, had been listened to with but half an ear.

the words that are spoken

From this reading Only when the American had taken his place at the reading-desk did the public experience that piquant satisfaction which one expresses in the three words: “Now it is coming!”

but in spite of that

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading The principal speaker was to be that young American, as yet unknown to the great majority, to whom Helmer had referred when he said to the little coterie at the hotel: “I know of things which are in preparation ... there is in our midst an inventor, a conqueror....”