Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading In such a matter as this it was not safe to take chances.

matters of personal concern

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

Having no one else present.

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

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

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

any thing at all

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

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

From this reading In such a matter as this it was not safe to take chances.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

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

From this reading While Varney had been more interested by the man, personally, than by his whimsical menaces, the editor's conversation could certainly not be called reassuring.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

in a blunt direct manner

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading While Varney had been more interested by the man, personally, than by his whimsical menaces, the editor's conversation could certainly not be called reassuring.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading While Varney had been more interested by the man, personally, than by his whimsical menaces, the editor's conversation could certainly not be called reassuring.

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

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading While Varney had been more interested by the man, personally, than by his whimsical menaces, the editor's conversation could certainly not be called reassuring.

plural of “chance” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading In such a matter as this it was not safe to take chances.

without doubt or question

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading While Varney had been more interested by the man, personally, than by his whimsical menaces, the editor's conversation could certainly not be called reassuring.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading While Varney had been more interested by the man, personally, than by his whimsical menaces, the editor's conversation could certainly not be called reassuring.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading Varney had a curious feeling that young Mr. Smith's melodramatic warnings had been offered in a spirit of friendliness, rather than of hostility.

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

having made preparations

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual

From this reading Nevertheless, the eccentric young man had unmistakably threatened them.

possessive form of “editor” — a person responsible for the editorial aspects of publication; the person who determines the final content of a text (especially of a newspaper or magazine)

From this reading While Varney had been more interested by the man, personally, than by his whimsical menaces, the editor's conversation could certainly not be called reassuring.

an ardent and enthusiastic supporter of some person or activity

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading Varney had a curious feeling that young Mr. Smith's melodramatic warnings had been offered in a spirit of friendliness, rather than of hostility.

a feeling of liking for another person; enjoyment in their company

From this reading Varney had a curious feeling that young Mr. Smith's melodramatic warnings had been offered in a spirit of friendliness, rather than of hostility.

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

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

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

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading While Varney had been more interested by the man, personally, than by his whimsical menaces, the editor's conversation could certainly not be called reassuring.

a hostile (very unfriendly) disposition

From this reading Varney had a curious feeling that young Mr. Smith's melodramatic warnings had been offered in a spirit of friendliness, rather than of hostility.

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

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

characterized by undue haste and lack of thought or deliberation

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

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

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern

From this reading While Varney had been more interested by the man, personally, than by his whimsical menaces, the editor's conversation could certainly not be called reassuring.

third-person singular of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

connect closely and often incriminatingly

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In such a matter as this it was not safe to take chances.

go away from a place

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Nevertheless, the eccentric young man had unmistakably threatened them.

the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading In such a matter as this it was not safe to take chances.

having the excitement and emotional appeal of melodrama

From this reading Varney had a curious feeling that young Mr. Smith's melodramatic warnings had been offered in a spirit of friendliness, rather than of hostility.

plural of “menace” — something that is a source of danger

From this reading While Varney had been more interested by the man, personally, than by his whimsical menaces, the editor's conversation could certainly not be called reassuring.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading While Varney had been more interested by the man, personally, than by his whimsical menaces, the editor's conversation could certainly not be called reassuring.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Varney had a curious feeling that young Mr. Smith's melodramatic warnings had been offered in a spirit of friendliness, rather than of hostility.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading Nevertheless, the eccentric young man had unmistakably threatened them.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In such a matter as this it was not safe to take chances.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading Varney had a curious feeling that young Mr. Smith's melodramatic warnings had been offered in a spirit of friendliness, rather than of hostility.

on one occasion

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

as yourself

From this reading While Varney had been more interested by the man, personally, than by his whimsical menaces, the editor's conversation could certainly not be called reassuring.

disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

on the contrary

From this reading Varney had a curious feeling that young Mr. Smith's melodramatic warnings had been offered in a spirit of friendliness, rather than of hostility.

restoring confidence and relieving anxiety

From this reading While Varney had been more interested by the man, personally, than by his whimsical menaces, the editor's conversation could certainly not be called reassuring.

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading In such a matter as this it was not safe to take chances.

with safety; in a safe manner

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

possessive form of “smith” — Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)

From this reading Varney had a curious feeling that young Mr. Smith's melodramatic warnings had been offered in a spirit of friendliness, rather than of hostility.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading Varney had a curious feeling that young Mr. Smith's melodramatic warnings had been offered in a spirit of friendliness, rather than of hostility.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading In such a matter as this it was not safe to take chances.

carry out

From this reading In such a matter as this it was not safe to take chances.

express in words

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Varney had a curious feeling that young Mr. Smith's melodramatic warnings had been offered in a spirit of friendliness, rather than of hostility.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

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

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Nevertheless, the eccentric young man had unmistakably threatened them.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading In such a matter as this it was not safe to take chances.

(of flora or fauna) likely in the near future to become endangered

From this reading Nevertheless, the eccentric young man had unmistakably threatened them.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

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

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

without possibility of mistake

From this reading Nevertheless, the eccentric young man had unmistakably threatened them.

up to a particular time

From this reading INTRODUCES MARY CARSTAIRS AND ANOTHER Clearly he must see Peter, at once, before that impetuous enthusiast had had time to involve himself in anything, and tell him bluntly that he must leave the affairs of Hunston alone until their own delicate business had been safely disposed of.

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

From this reading Varney had a curious feeling that young Mr. Smith's melodramatic warnings had been offered in a spirit of friendliness, rather than of hostility.

plural of “warning” — a message informing of danger

From this reading Varney had a curious feeling that young Mr. Smith's melodramatic warnings had been offered in a spirit of friendliness, rather than of hostility.

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

From this reading In such a matter as this it was not safe to take chances.

during the time that

From this reading While Varney had been more interested by the man, personally, than by his whimsical menaces, the editor's conversation could certainly not be called reassuring.

determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason

From this reading While Varney had been more interested by the man, personally, than by his whimsical menaces, the editor's conversation could certainly not be called reassuring.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Varney had a curious feeling that young Mr. Smith's melodramatic warnings had been offered in a spirit of friendliness, rather than of hostility.