Chapter VII · Chapter 7

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

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading In fact, it appeared that escape was too absolutely hopeless and impossible to be thought of seriously.

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

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

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

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

from appearances alone

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

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

From this reading In fact, it appeared that escape was too absolutely hopeless and impossible to be thought of seriously.

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

From this reading "We are being spied upon, Harry," whispered Roger.

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

From this reading As Roger glanced up, the eye vanished, leaving them with the unpleasant sensation of being continually watched.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

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

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading As Roger glanced up, the eye vanished, leaving them with the unpleasant sensation of being continually watched.

discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

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

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

unvarying in nature

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

seemingly without interruption

From this reading As Roger glanced up, the eye vanished, leaving them with the unpleasant sensation of being continually watched.

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

the organ of sight

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading In fact, it appeared that escape was too absolutely hopeless and impossible to be thought of seriously.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

disappointingly unsuccessful

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading As Roger glanced up, the eye vanished, leaving them with the unpleasant sensation of being continually watched.

affixed or as if affixed with glue or paste

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

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

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

annoy continually or chronically

From this reading "We are being spied upon, Harry," whispered Roger.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

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

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

an opening into or through something

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

without hope because there seems to be no possibility of comfort or success

From this reading In fact, it appeared that escape was too absolutely hopeless and impossible to be thought of seriously.

without careful prior deliberation or counsel

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading In fact, it appeared that escape was too absolutely hopeless and impossible to be thought of seriously.

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

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

and nothing more

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

the act of departing

From this reading As Roger glanced up, the eye vanished, leaving them with the unpleasant sensation of being continually watched.

kept in good condition

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

being perceived or observed

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

on one occasion

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

the ball-shaped capsule containing the vertebrate eye

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

with little or no delay

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

plural of “purpose” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

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

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation

From this reading As Roger glanced up, the eye vanished, leaving them with the unpleasant sensation of being continually watched.

in a serious manner

From this reading In fact, it appeared that escape was too absolutely hopeless and impossible to be thought of seriously.

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

an instance of visual perception

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

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

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

inflected form of “spy” — catch sight of

From this reading "We are being spied upon, Harry," whispered Roger.

keeping a secret or furtive watch

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

rigidly accurate; allowing no deviation from a standard

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

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

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

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

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

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

From this reading In fact, it appeared that escape was too absolutely hopeless and impossible to be thought of seriously.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

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

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading In fact, it appeared that escape was too absolutely hopeless and impossible to be thought of seriously.

in the direction of

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness

From this reading As Roger glanced up, the eye vanished, leaving them with the unpleasant sensation of being continually watched.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading As Roger glanced up, the eye vanished, leaving them with the unpleasant sensation of being continually watched.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

directed up

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

the act of using

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

having passed out of existence

From this reading As Roger glanced up, the eye vanished, leaving them with the unpleasant sensation of being continually watched.

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

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

look attentively

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading As Roger glanced up, the eye vanished, leaving them with the unpleasant sensation of being continually watched.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "We are being spied upon, Harry," whispered Roger.

at the time that

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

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

From this reading Chancing once to glance upward and toward the door--having heard some slight sound outside,--Roger was just in time to catch sight of an eye-- a dark, shining, and sinister orb--glued to a small hole in the door, which he had not before noticed, and which was apparently covered when not in use for spying purposes.

spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords

From this reading "We are being spied upon, Harry," whispered Roger.

in the company of; together with

From this reading As Roger glanced up, the eye vanished, leaving them with the unpleasant sensation of being continually watched.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading It was evident that a watch, constant and strict, was to be maintained upon them, and that therefore any attempt at escape on their part, which they might be ill-advised enough to hazard, would be discovered at once and promptly frustrated.