Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Nevertheless it is probably true that education among the higher order of animals has its distinct place and value.

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

From this reading Nevertheless it is probably true that education among the higher order of animals has its distinct place and value.

possessive form of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading For many years the writer has been watching animals and recording his observations with the idea of determining, if possible, which of these three is the governing factor in the animal's life.

plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

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

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

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

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading For many years the writer has been watching animals and recording his observations with the idea of determining, if possible, which of these three is the governing factor in the animal's life.

plural of “begin” — Israeli statesman (born in Russia) who (as prime minister of Israel) negotiated a peace treaty with Anwar Sadat (then the president of Egypt) (1913-1992)

From this reading Instinct only begins the work; the mother's training develops and supplements the instinct; and contact with the world, with its sudden dangers and unknown forces, finishes the process.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

deem to be

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

close interaction

From this reading Instinct only begins the work; the mother's training develops and supplements the instinct; and contact with the world, with its sudden dangers and unknown forces, finishes the process.

plural of “danger” — the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading Instinct only begins the work; the mother's training develops and supplements the instinct; and contact with the world, with its sudden dangers and unknown forces, finishes the process.

having the power or quality of deciding

From this reading For many years the writer has been watching animals and recording his observations with the idea of determining, if possible, which of these three is the governing factor in the animal's life.

third-person singular of “develop” — make something new, such as a product or a mental or artistic creation

From this reading Instinct only begins the work; the mother's training develops and supplements the instinct; and contact with the world, with its sudden dangers and unknown forces, finishes the process.

(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality

From this reading Nevertheless it is probably true that education among the higher order of animals has its distinct place and value.

the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill

From this reading Nevertheless it is probably true that education among the higher order of animals has its distinct place and value.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading Their knowledge, however simple, is still the result of three factors: instinct, training, and experience.

anything that contributes causally to a result

From this reading For many years the writer has been watching animals and recording his observations with the idea of determining, if possible, which of these three is the governing factor in the animal's life.

plural of “factor” — anything that contributes causally to a result

From this reading Their knowledge, however simple, is still the result of three factors: instinct, training, and experience.

plural of “finish” — a decorative texture or appearance of a surface (or the substance that gives it that appearance)

From this reading Instinct only begins the work; the mother's training develops and supplements the instinct; and contact with the world, with its sudden dangers and unknown forces, finishes the process.

lasting for a markedly brief time

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

people in general (often used in the plural)

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence

From this reading Instinct only begins the work; the mother's training develops and supplements the instinct; and contact with the world, with its sudden dangers and unknown forces, finishes the process.

made afraid

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

plural of “glimpse” — a quick look

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

responsible for making and enforcing rules and laws

From this reading For many years the writer has been watching animals and recording his observations with the idea of determining, if possible, which of these three is the governing factor in the animal's life.

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

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

advanced in complexity or elaboration

From this reading Nevertheless it is probably true that education among the higher order of animals has its distinct place and value.

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

From this reading For many years the writer has been watching animals and recording his observations with the idea of determining, if possible, which of these three is the governing factor in the animal's life.

the foot of an ungulate mammal

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Their knowledge, however simple, is still the result of three factors: instinct, training, and experience.

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

From this reading For many years the writer has been watching animals and recording his observations with the idea of determining, if possible, which of these three is the governing factor in the animal's life.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading For many years the writer has been watching animals and recording his observations with the idea of determining, if possible, which of these three is the governing factor in the animal's life.

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

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli

From this reading Their knowledge, however simple, is still the result of three factors: instinct, training, and experience.

a message describing how something is to be done

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

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

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Nevertheless it is probably true that education among the higher order of animals has its distinct place and value.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

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 It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

possessive form of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Instinct only begins the work; the mother's training develops and supplements the instinct; and contact with the world, with its sudden dangers and unknown forces, finishes the process.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading Nevertheless it is probably true that education among the higher order of animals has its distinct place and value.

plural of “observation” — the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading For many years the writer has been watching animals and recording his observations with the idea of determining, if possible, which of these three is the governing factor in the animal's life.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

and nothing more

From this reading Instinct only begins the work; the mother's training develops and supplements the instinct; and contact with the world, with its sudden dangers and unknown forces, finishes the process.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading Nevertheless it is probably true that education among the higher order of animals has its distinct place and value.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading For many years the writer has been watching animals and recording his observations with the idea of determining, if possible, which of these three is the governing factor in the animal's life.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading Nevertheless it is probably true that education among the higher order of animals has its distinct place and value.

subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition

From this reading Instinct only begins the work; the mother's training develops and supplements the instinct; and contact with the world, with its sudden dangers and unknown forces, finishes the process.

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

a signal that encodes something (e.g., picture or sound) that has been recorded

From this reading For many years the writer has been watching animals and recording his observations with the idea of determining, if possible, which of these three is the governing factor in the animal's life.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading Their knowledge, however simple, is still the result of three factors: instinct, training, and experience.

an educational institution

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading Their knowledge, however simple, is still the result of three factors: instinct, training, and experience.

not in physical motion

From this reading Their knowledge, however simple, is still the result of three factors: instinct, training, and experience.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading Instinct only begins the work; the mother's training develops and supplements the instinct; and contact with the world, with its sudden dangers and unknown forces, finishes the process.

plural of “supplement” — textual matter that is added onto a publication; usually at the end

From this reading Instinct only begins the work; the mother's training develops and supplements the instinct; and contact with the world, with its sudden dangers and unknown forces, finishes the process.

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

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

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Their knowledge, however simple, is still the result of three factors: instinct, training, and experience.

in or at that place or location

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

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

From this reading For many years the writer has been watching animals and recording his observations with the idea of determining, if possible, which of these three is the governing factor in the animal's life.

a special situation

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

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

From this reading Their knowledge, however simple, is still the result of three factors: instinct, training, and experience.

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

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

activity leading to skilled behavior

From this reading Their knowledge, however simple, is still the result of three factors: instinct, training, and experience.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading Nevertheless it is probably true that education among the higher order of animals has its distinct place and value.

not known

From this reading Instinct only begins the work; the mother's training develops and supplements the instinct; and contact with the world, with its sudden dangers and unknown forces, finishes the process.

a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed

From this reading Nevertheless it is probably true that education among the higher order of animals has its distinct place and value.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading For many years the writer has been watching animals and recording his observations with the idea of determining, if possible, which of these three is the governing factor in the animal's life.

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

From this reading For many years the writer has been watching animals and recording his observations with the idea of determining, if possible, which of these three is the governing factor in the animal's life.

belonging to which person

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

a movable organ for flying (one of a pair)

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Instinct only begins the work; the mother's training develops and supplements the instinct; and contact with the world, with its sudden dangers and unknown forces, finishes the process.

the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading It may surprise many, whose knowledge of wild animals is gained from rare, fleeting glimpses of frightened hoof or wing in the woods, to consider that there can be such a thing as a school for the Wood Folk; or that instruction has any place in the life of the wild things.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Instinct only begins the work; the mother's training develops and supplements the instinct; and contact with the world, with its sudden dangers and unknown forces, finishes the process.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Instinct only begins the work; the mother's training develops and supplements the instinct; and contact with the world, with its sudden dangers and unknown forces, finishes the process.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading For many years the writer has been watching animals and recording his observations with the idea of determining, if possible, which of these three is the governing factor in the animal's life.

a late time of life

From this reading For many years the writer has been watching animals and recording his observations with the idea of determining, if possible, which of these three is the governing factor in the animal's life.