used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Then, if he had any luck, he might be able to clear things up.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading But the men who arrested him were only doing their duty as they saw it, and they had no discretionary power at all.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Then, if he had any luck, he might be able to clear things up.
arrestedverbUS /ərˈestɪd/
past form of “arrest” — take into custody
From this reading But the men who arrested him were only doing their duty as they saw it, and they had no discretionary power at all.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
From this reading But he realized that he was helpless, and that he would only waste his breath if he tried to explain matters until he was brought before someone who was really in authority.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
for the reason that
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading But he realized that he was helpless, and that he would only waste his breath if he tried to explain matters until he was brought before someone who was really in authority.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading But he realized that he was helpless, and that he would only waste his breath if he tried to explain matters until he was brought before someone who was really in authority.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading But he realized that he was helpless, and that he would only waste his breath if he tried to explain matters until he was brought before someone who was really in authority.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But he realized that he was helpless, and that he would only waste his breath if he tried to explain matters until he was brought before someone who was really in authority.
go after with the intent to catch
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
rid of obstructions
From this reading Then, if he had any luck, he might be able to clear things up.
constablesnounUS /ˈkɑːnstəbəlz/
plural of “constable” — a lawman with less authority and jurisdiction than a sheriff
From this reading When he reached the station he was disappointed to find that no one was on duty except a sleepy inspector, who was even less inclined to listen to reason than the constables.
criticaladjectiveUS /ˈkrɪtɪkəl/
marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
disappointingly unsuccessful
From this reading When he reached the station he was disappointed to find that no one was on duty except a sleepy inspector, who was even less inclined to listen to reason than the constables.
discretionaryadjectiveUS /dɪˈskreʃəneri/
having or using the ability to act or decide according to your own discretion or judgment
From this reading But the men who arrested him were only doing their duty as they saw it, and they had no discretionary power at all.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading But the men who arrested him were only doing their duty as they saw it, and they had no discretionary power at all.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading But the men who arrested him were only doing their duty as they saw it, and they had no discretionary power at all.
divisible by two
From this reading When he reached the station he was disappointed to find that no one was on duty except a sleepy inspector, who was even less inclined to listen to reason than the constables.
apart from; not including
From this reading When he reached the station he was disappointed to find that no one was on duty except a sleepy inspector, who was even less inclined to listen to reason than the constables.
make plain and comprehensible
From this reading But he realized that he was helpless, and that he would only waste his breath if he tried to explain matters until he was brought before someone who was really in authority.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading When he reached the station he was disappointed to find that no one was on duty except a sleepy inspector, who was even less inclined to listen to reason than the constables.
GravesnounUS /ɡreɪvz/
English writer known for his interest in mythology and in the classics (1895-1985)
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
hardestadverbUS /ˈhɑːrdəst/
superlative of “hard” — with effort or force or vigor
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
annoy continually or chronically
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
lacking in or deprived of strength or power
From this reading But he realized that he was helpless, and that he would only waste his breath if he tried to explain matters until he was brought before someone who was really in authority.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But the men who arrested him were only doing their duty as they saw it, and they had no discretionary power at all.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading But he realized that he was helpless, and that he would only waste his breath if he tried to explain matters until he was brought before someone who was really in authority.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But he realized that he was helpless, and that he would only waste his breath if he tried to explain matters until he was brought before someone who was really in authority.
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading When he reached the station he was disappointed to find that no one was on duty except a sleepy inspector, who was even less inclined to listen to reason than the constables.
inspectornounUS /ˌɪnˈspektər/
a high ranking police officer
From this reading When he reached the station he was disappointed to find that no one was on duty except a sleepy inspector, who was even less inclined to listen to reason than the constables.
discontinued temporarily
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
and nothing more
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading When he reached the station he was disappointed to find that no one was on duty except a sleepy inspector, who was even less inclined to listen to reason than the constables.
hear with intention
From this reading When he reached the station he was disappointed to find that no one was on duty except a sleepy inspector, who was even less inclined to listen to reason than the constables.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading But he realized that he was helpless, and that he would only waste his breath if he tried to explain matters until he was brought before someone who was really in authority.
the force of workers available
From this reading But the men who arrested him were only doing their duty as they saw it, and they had no discretionary power at all.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Then, if he had any luck, he might be able to clear things up.
not any; not one
From this reading But the men who arrested him were only doing their duty as they saw it, and they had no discretionary power at all.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When he reached the station he was disappointed to find that no one was on duty except a sleepy inspector, who was even less inclined to listen to reason than the constables.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading When he reached the station he was disappointed to find that no one was on duty except a sleepy inspector, who was even less inclined to listen to reason than the constables.
and nothing more
From this reading But he realized that he was helpless, and that he would only waste his breath if he tried to explain matters until he was brought before someone who was really in authority.
overspeeding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading But the men who arrested him were only doing their duty as they saw it, and they had no discretionary power at all.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading When he reached the station he was disappointed to find that no one was on duty except a sleepy inspector, who was even less inclined to listen to reason than the constables.
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading But he realized that he was helpless, and that he would only waste his breath if he tried to explain matters until he was brought before someone who was really in authority.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading But he realized that he was helpless, and that he would only waste his breath if he tried to explain matters until he was brought before someone who was really in authority.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading When he reached the station he was disappointed to find that no one was on duty except a sleepy inspector, who was even less inclined to listen to reason than the constables.
cut with a saw
From this reading But the men who arrested him were only doing their duty as they saw it, and they had no discretionary power at all.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
sleepyadjectiveUS /ˈsliːpi/
ready to fall asleep
From this reading When he reached the station he was disappointed to find that no one was on duty except a sleepy inspector, who was even less inclined to listen to reason than the constables.
a person, without saying who
From this reading But he realized that he was helpless, and that he would only waste his breath if he tried to explain matters until he was brought before someone who was really in authority.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading When he reached the station he was disappointed to find that no one was on duty except a sleepy inspector, who was even less inclined to listen to reason than the constables.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading But the men who arrested him were only doing their duty as they saw it, and they had no discretionary power at all.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then, if he had any luck, he might be able to clear things up.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But the men who arrested him were only doing their duty as they saw it, and they had no discretionary power at all.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Then, if he had any luck, he might be able to clear things up.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading But he realized that he was helpless, and that he would only waste his breath if he tried to explain matters until he was brought before someone who was really in authority.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading But he realized that he was helpless, and that he would only waste his breath if he tried to explain matters until he was brought before someone who was really in authority.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Then, if he had any luck, he might be able to clear things up.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading To Harry, as he was taken off to the police station, it seemed the hardest sort of hard luck that his chase of Graves should be interrupted at such a critical time and just because he had been overspeeding.
any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted
From this reading But he realized that he was helpless, and that he would only waste his breath if he tried to explain matters until he was brought before someone who was really in authority.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But the men who arrested him were only doing their duty as they saw it, and they had no discretionary power at all.
at the time that
From this reading When he reached the station he was disappointed to find that no one was on duty except a sleepy inspector, who was even less inclined to listen to reason than the constables.
which person or people
From this reading But he realized that he was helpless, and that he would only waste his breath if he tried to explain matters until he was brought before someone who was really in authority.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading But he realized that he was helpless, and that he would only waste his breath if he tried to explain matters until he was brought before someone who was really in authority.
