used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
any thing at all
From this reading The sight gave him a friendly shock, for on this evening he was tired of clever hypocrisies and longed for anything that would be crude and unassuming.
a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As he passed a moving-picture theater, dotted with greasy electric lights and plastered with inanely gaudy posters, he felt a light hand on his shoulder.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The sight gave him a friendly shock, for on this evening he was tired of clever hypocrisies and longed for anything that would be crude and unassuming.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading He turned and saw Lucy standing before him.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
cabaretsnounUS /ˌkæbərˈeɪz/
plural of “cabaret” — a spot that is open late at night and that provides entertainment (as singers or dancers) as well as dancing and food and drink
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
cheapadjectiveUS /tʃiːp/
relatively low in price or charging low prices
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
showing self-interest and shrewdness in dealing with others
From this reading The sight gave him a friendly shock, for on this evening he was tired of clever hypocrisies and longed for anything that would be crude and unassuming.
coffin-like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
crowdsnounUS /kraʊdz/
plural of “crowd” — a large number of things or people considered together
From this reading The hour was early--nine p.m.--and he walked slowly, engaged in his favorite pastime of watching the shrouded haste of crowds.
crudeadjectiveUS /kruːd/
not carefully or expertly made
From this reading The sight gave him a friendly shock, for on this evening he was tired of clever hypocrisies and longed for anything that would be crude and unassuming.
dottedadjectiveUS /ˈdɑːtəd/
having a pattern of dots
From this reading As he passed a moving-picture theater, dotted with greasy electric lights and plastered with inanely gaudy posters, he felt a light hand on his shoulder.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
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 The hour was early--nine p.m.--and he walked slowly, engaged in his favorite pastime of watching the shrouded haste of crowds.
electricadjectiveUS /ɪˈlektrɪk/
using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity
From this reading As he passed a moving-picture theater, dotted with greasy electric lights and plastered with inanely gaudy posters, he felt a light hand on his shoulder.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading The hour was early--nine p.m.--and he walked slowly, engaged in his favorite pastime of watching the shrouded haste of crowds.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading The sight gave him a friendly shock, for on this evening he was tired of clever hypocrisies and longed for anything that would be crude and unassuming.
favoritenounUS /ˈfeɪvərɪt/
something regarded with special favor or liking
From this reading The hour was early--nine p.m.--and he walked slowly, engaged in his favorite pastime of watching the shrouded haste of crowds.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading As he passed a moving-picture theater, dotted with greasy electric lights and plastered with inanely gaudy posters, he felt a light hand on his shoulder.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The sight gave him a friendly shock, for on this evening he was tired of clever hypocrisies and longed for anything that would be crude and unassuming.
characteristic of or befitting a friend
From this reading The sight gave him a friendly shock, for on this evening he was tired of clever hypocrisies and longed for anything that would be crude and unassuming.
furtivelyadverbUS /ˈfɜːrtɪvli/
in a furtive manner
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
gapingadjectiveUS /ˈɡeɪpɪŋ/
with the mouth wide open as in wonder or awe
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
gaudyadjectiveUS /ˈɡɔːdi/
tastelessly showy
From this reading As he passed a moving-picture theater, dotted with greasy electric lights and plastered with inanely gaudy posters, he felt a light hand on his shoulder.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading The sight gave him a friendly shock, for on this evening he was tired of clever hypocrisies and longed for anything that would be crude and unassuming.
depressingly dark
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
greasyadjectiveUS /ˈɡriːsi/
containing an unusual amount of grease or oil
From this reading As he passed a moving-picture theater, dotted with greasy electric lights and plastered with inanely gaudy posters, he felt a light hand on his shoulder.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading As he passed a moving-picture theater, dotted with greasy electric lights and plastered with inanely gaudy posters, he felt a light hand on his shoulder.
overly eager speed (and possible carelessness)
From this reading The hour was early--nine p.m.--and he walked slowly, engaged in his favorite pastime of watching the shrouded haste of crowds.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He turned and saw Lucy standing before him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The hour was early--nine p.m.--and he walked slowly, engaged in his favorite pastime of watching the shrouded haste of crowds.
hotelsnounUS /hoʊˈtelz/
plural of “hotel” — a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading The hour was early--nine p.m.--and he walked slowly, engaged in his favorite pastime of watching the shrouded haste of crowds.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
hypocrisies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sight gave him a friendly shock, for on this evening he was tired of clever hypocrisies and longed for anything that would be crude and unassuming.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The hour was early--nine p.m.--and he walked slowly, engaged in his favorite pastime of watching the shrouded haste of crowds.
inanelyadverb
vacuously or complacently and unconsciously foolish
From this reading As he passed a moving-picture theater, dotted with greasy electric lights and plastered with inanely gaudy posters, he felt a light hand on his shoulder.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading As he passed a moving-picture theater, dotted with greasy electric lights and plastered with inanely gaudy posters, he felt a light hand on his shoulder.
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading As he passed a moving-picture theater, dotted with greasy electric lights and plastered with inanely gaudy posters, he felt a light hand on his shoulder.
longedverbUS /lɔːŋd/
past form of “long” — desire strongly or persistently
From this reading The sight gave him a friendly shock, for on this evening he was tired of clever hypocrisies and longed for anything that would be crude and unassuming.
incomplete skeleton of female found in eastern Ethiopia in 1974
From this reading He turned and saw Lucy standing before him.
the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
From this reading The hour was early--nine p.m.--and he walked slowly, engaged in his favorite pastime of watching the shrouded haste of crowds.
moving-picture
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As he passed a moving-picture theater, dotted with greasy electric lights and plastered with inanely gaudy posters, he felt a light hand on his shoulder.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
From this reading The hour was early--nine p.m.--and he walked slowly, engaged in his favorite pastime of watching the shrouded haste of crowds.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading As he passed a moving-picture theater, dotted with greasy electric lights and plastered with inanely gaudy posters, he felt a light hand on his shoulder.
a multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells; is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms
From this reading The hour was early--nine p.m.--and he walked slowly, engaged in his favorite pastime of watching the shrouded haste of crowds.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading As he passed a moving-picture theater, dotted with greasy electric lights and plastered with inanely gaudy posters, he felt a light hand on his shoulder.
pastimenounUS /ˈpæstaɪm/
a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)
From this reading The hour was early--nine p.m.--and he walked slowly, engaged in his favorite pastime of watching the shrouded haste of crowds.
plasteredadjectiveUS /ˈplæstərd/
(of hair) made smooth by applying a sticky or glossy substance
From this reading As he passed a moving-picture theater, dotted with greasy electric lights and plastered with inanely gaudy posters, he felt a light hand on his shoulder.
postersnounUS /ˈpoʊstərz/
plural of “poster” — a sign posted in a public place as an advertisement
From this reading As he passed a moving-picture theater, dotted with greasy electric lights and plastered with inanely gaudy posters, he felt a light hand on his shoulder.
ranksnounUS /ræŋks/
plural of “rank” — a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
realitiesnounUS /ˌriːˈælətiːz/
plural of “reality” — all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
roughlyadverbUS /ˈrʌfli/
(of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
saloonsnounUS /səˈluːnz/
plural of “saloon” — a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
cut with a saw
From this reading He turned and saw Lucy standing before him.
semi-respectable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
From this reading The sight gave him a friendly shock, for on this evening he was tired of clever hypocrisies and longed for anything that would be crude and unassuming.
shopsnounUS /ʃɑːps/
plural of “shop” — a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
lift onto one's shoulders
From this reading As he passed a moving-picture theater, dotted with greasy electric lights and plastered with inanely gaudy posters, he felt a light hand on his shoulder.
shroudedverbUS /ˈʃraʊdɪd/
past form of “shroud” — cover as if with a shroud
From this reading The hour was early--nine p.m.--and he walked slowly, engaged in his favorite pastime of watching the shrouded haste of crowds.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading The sight gave him a friendly shock, for on this evening he was tired of clever hypocrisies and longed for anything that would be crude and unassuming.
sinisteradjectiveUS /ˈsɪnɪstər/
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
sleeklyadverbUS /ˈsliːkli/
in a sleek glossy manner
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading The hour was early--nine p.m.--and he walked slowly, engaged in his favorite pastime of watching the shrouded haste of crowds.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
having a supporting base
From this reading He turned and saw Lucy standing before him.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
tawdryadjectiveUS /ˈtɔːdri/
tastelessly showy
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The sight gave him a friendly shock, for on this evening he was tired of clever hypocrisies and longed for anything that would be crude and unassuming.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
theaternounUS /ˈθiːətər/
a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented
From this reading As he passed a moving-picture theater, dotted with greasy electric lights and plastered with inanely gaudy posters, he felt a light hand on his shoulder.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
thicklyadverbUS /ˈθɪkli/
spoken with poor articulation as if with a thick tongue
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The sight gave him a friendly shock, for on this evening he was tired of clever hypocrisies and longed for anything that would be crude and unassuming.
tiptoedverbUS /ˈtɪptoʊd/
past form of “tiptoe” — walk on one's toes
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
tiredadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪərd/
depleted of strength or energy
From this reading The sight gave him a friendly shock, for on this evening he was tired of clever hypocrisies and longed for anything that would be crude and unassuming.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading He turned and saw Lucy standing before him.
unassumingadjectiveUS /ˌʌnəˈsuːmɪŋ/
not arrogant or presuming
From this reading The sight gave him a friendly shock, for on this evening he was tired of clever hypocrisies and longed for anything that would be crude and unassuming.
underworldnounUS /ˈʌndərwɜːrld/
the criminal class
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The hour was early--nine p.m.--and he walked slowly, engaged in his favorite pastime of watching the shrouded haste of crowds.
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading The hour was early--nine p.m.--and he walked slowly, engaged in his favorite pastime of watching the shrouded haste of crowds.
in or at the place that
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
working-people
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Filled with these gloomy realities he walked down a roughly bright street where the underworld tiptoed furtively between the ranks of semi-respectable working-people--a street of gaping, sleekly sinister saloons, cabarets, small, thickly tawdry shops, and cheap, coffin-like hotels and apartment houses.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The sight gave him a friendly shock, for on this evening he was tired of clever hypocrisies and longed for anything that would be crude and unassuming.
