ILLUSTRATIONS OF USAGE

Definitions are sometimes followed by verbal illustrations that show a typical use of the word in context. These illustrations are enclosed in angle brackets, and the word being illustrated is shown in italic:

Main Entry: ¹key
Function: noun
3 a . . .<the key to a riddle>

Main Entry: nary
Function: adjective
. . .<nary a person wanted to go>

Main Entry: ²plummet
Function: intransitive verb
2 . . .<prices plummeted>

Main Entry: weak
Function: adjective
4 . . . b . . . (2) . . .<history was my weakest subject>

Main Entry: ¹true
Function: adjective
8 . . .<in the truest sense>

Main Entry: turn off
Function: transitive verb
4 . . .<turn the water off>

Illustrative quotations are also used to show words in typical contexts:

Main Entry: con.flict.ed
Function: adjective
. . .<this unhappy and conflicted modern woman --John Updike>

Omissions in quotations are indicated by suspension points:

Main Entry: alien.ation
Function: noun
. . .<alienation . . . from the values of one's society and family --S. L. Halleck>

 

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