used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The Consequences of Crime.—A Familiar Friend.—A Cloud upon Learmont’s Felicity.
adjoiningverbUS /əˈdʒɔɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “adjoin” — lie adjacent to another or share a boundary
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading When he entered the room he found the smith lolling, at his ease, upon a costly couch, and although he did rise at the presence of Learmont, it was with an air and manner of extreme insolence.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading When he entered the room he found the smith lolling, at his ease, upon a costly couch, and although he did rise at the presence of Learmont, it was with an air and manner of extreme insolence.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading “To what am I indebted for so early a visit, or rather I should say intrusion?” asked Learmont in a low hollow voice.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading When he entered the room he found the smith lolling, at his ease, upon a costly couch, and although he did rise at the presence of Learmont, it was with an air and manner of extreme insolence.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading “Principally,” said Britton with an air of perfect indifference, “to assure you that I had arrived in London, perfectly safe.”
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading “To what am I indebted for so early a visit, or rather I should say intrusion?” asked Learmont in a low hollow voice.
make certain of
From this reading “Principally,” said Britton with an air of perfect indifference, “to assure you that I had arrived in London, perfectly safe.”
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading When he entered the room he found the smith lolling, at his ease, upon a costly couch, and although he did rise at the presence of Learmont, it was with an air and manner of extreme insolence.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
Beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
Britton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
make overcast or cloudy
From this reading The Consequences of Crime.—A Familiar Friend.—A Cloud upon Learmont’s Felicity.
compressedadjectiveUS /kəmˈprest/
pressed tightly together
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
ConsequencesnounUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwensəz/
plural of “consequence” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading The Consequences of Crime.—A Familiar Friend.—A Cloud upon Learmont’s Felicity.
costlyadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːstli/
entailing great loss or sacrifice
From this reading When he entered the room he found the smith lolling, at his ease, upon a costly couch, and although he did rise at the presence of Learmont, it was with an air and manner of extreme insolence.
couchnounUS /kaʊtʃ/
an upholstered seat for more than one person
From this reading When he entered the room he found the smith lolling, at his ease, upon a costly couch, and although he did rise at the presence of Learmont, it was with an air and manner of extreme insolence.
(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
From this reading The Consequences of Crime.—A Familiar Friend.—A Cloud upon Learmont’s Felicity.
an urgent or peremptory request
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading When he entered the room he found the smith lolling, at his ease, upon a costly couch, and although he did rise at the presence of Learmont, it was with an air and manner of extreme insolence.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
move gently or carefully
From this reading When he entered the room he found the smith lolling, at his ease, upon a costly couch, and although he did rise at the presence of Learmont, it was with an air and manner of extreme insolence.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading When he entered the room he found the smith lolling, at his ease, upon a costly couch, and although he did rise at the presence of Learmont, it was with an air and manner of extreme insolence.
of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity
From this reading When he entered the room he found the smith lolling, at his ease, upon a costly couch, and although he did rise at the presence of Learmont, it was with an air and manner of extreme insolence.
well known or easily recognized
From this reading The Consequences of Crime.—A Familiar Friend.—A Cloud upon Learmont’s Felicity.
FelicitynounUS /fɪˈlɪsəti/
pleasing and appropriate manner or style (especially manner or style of expression)
From this reading The Consequences of Crime.—A Familiar Friend.—A Cloud upon Learmont’s Felicity.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
set up or found
From this reading When he entered the room he found the smith lolling, at his ease, upon a costly couch, and although he did rise at the presence of Learmont, it was with an air and manner of extreme insolence.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading The Consequences of Crime.—A Familiar Friend.—A Cloud upon Learmont’s Felicity.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
frowningadjectiveUS /ˈfraʊnɪŋ/
showing displeasure or anger
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
past form of “guess” — expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
not solid; having a space or gap or cavity
From this reading “To what am I indebted for so early a visit, or rather I should say intrusion?” asked Learmont in a low hollow voice.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “To what am I indebted for so early a visit, or rather I should say intrusion?” asked Learmont in a low hollow voice.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “To what am I indebted for so early a visit, or rather I should say intrusion?” asked Learmont in a low hollow voice.
indebtedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdetɪd/
owing gratitude or recognition to another for help or favors etc
From this reading “To what am I indebted for so early a visit, or rather I should say intrusion?” asked Learmont in a low hollow voice.
indifferencenounUS /ˌɪnˈdɪfərəns/
unbiased impartial unconcern
From this reading “Principally,” said Britton with an air of perfect indifference, “to assure you that I had arrived in London, perfectly safe.”
having much knowledge or education
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
insolencenounUS /ˈɪnsələns/
the trait of being rude and impertinent; inclined to take liberties
From this reading When he entered the room he found the smith lolling, at his ease, upon a costly couch, and although he did rise at the presence of Learmont, it was with an air and manner of extreme insolence.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
intrusionnounUS /ˌɪnˈtruːʒən/
any entry into an area not previously occupied
From this reading “To what am I indebted for so early a visit, or rather I should say intrusion?” asked Learmont in a low hollow voice.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
Learmont
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
Learmont's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Consequences of Crime.—A Familiar Friend.—A Cloud upon Learmont’s Felicity.
a room where books are kept
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
lollingverbUS /ˈlɑːlɪŋ/
-ing form of “loll” — hang loosely or laxly
From this reading When he entered the room he found the smith lolling, at his ease, upon a costly couch, and although he did rise at the presence of Learmont, it was with an air and manner of extreme insolence.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading “Principally,” said Britton with an air of perfect indifference, “to assure you that I had arrived in London, perfectly safe.”
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading “To what am I indebted for so early a visit, or rather I should say intrusion?” asked Learmont in a low hollow voice.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading When he entered the room he found the smith lolling, at his ease, upon a costly couch, and although he did rise at the presence of Learmont, it was with an air and manner of extreme insolence.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Consequences of Crime.—A Familiar Friend.—A Cloud upon Learmont’s Felicity.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading “To what am I indebted for so early a visit, or rather I should say intrusion?” asked Learmont in a low hollow voice.
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading “Principally,” said Britton with an air of perfect indifference, “to assure you that I had arrived in London, perfectly safe.”
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading “Principally,” said Britton with an air of perfect indifference, “to assure you that I had arrived in London, perfectly safe.”
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading When he entered the room he found the smith lolling, at his ease, upon a costly couch, and although he did rise at the presence of Learmont, it was with an air and manner of extreme insolence.
PrincipallyadverbUS /ˈprɪnsɪpli/
for the most part
From this reading “Principally,” said Britton with an air of perfect indifference, “to assure you that I had arrived in London, perfectly safe.”
on the contrary
From this reading “To what am I indebted for so early a visit, or rather I should say intrusion?” asked Learmont in a low hollow voice.
move upward
From this reading When he entered the room he found the smith lolling, at his ease, upon a costly couch, and although he did rise at the presence of Learmont, it was with an air and manner of extreme insolence.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
free from danger or the risk of harm
From this reading “Principally,” said Britton with an air of perfect indifference, “to assure you that I had arrived in London, perfectly safe.”
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “Principally,” said Britton with an air of perfect indifference, “to assure you that I had arrived in London, perfectly safe.”
express in words
From this reading “To what am I indebted for so early a visit, or rather I should say intrusion?” asked Learmont in a low hollow voice.
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading “To what am I indebted for so early a visit, or rather I should say intrusion?” asked Learmont in a low hollow voice.
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)
From this reading When he entered the room he found the smith lolling, at his ease, upon a costly couch, and although he did rise at the presence of Learmont, it was with an air and manner of extreme insolence.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Consequences of Crime.—A Familiar Friend.—A Cloud upon Learmont’s Felicity.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
in the direction of
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The Consequences of Crime.—A Familiar Friend.—A Cloud upon Learmont’s Felicity.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
someone who visits
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading “To what am I indebted for so early a visit, or rather I should say intrusion?” asked Learmont in a low hollow voice.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading “To what am I indebted for so early a visit, or rather I should say intrusion?” asked Learmont in a low hollow voice.
at the time that
From this reading When he entered the room he found the smith lolling, at his ease, upon a costly couch, and although he did rise at the presence of Learmont, it was with an air and manner of extreme insolence.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Being informed by his servants that his visitor had been shown into a small room adjoining the library, Learmont took a lamp from his table, and with a frowning brow and compressed lips, walked towards the room to demand of Britton, for he guessed too well it was he, the cause of so early a visit.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Principally,” said Britton with an air of perfect indifference, “to assure you that I had arrived in London, perfectly safe.”
