used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A MIDNIGHT ESCAPADE The seven Predatory Marauders went silently and rapidly down the path.
the state of being absent
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A MIDNIGHT ESCAPADE The seven Predatory Marauders went silently and rapidly down the path.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
an unofficial association of people or groups
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading To be found guilty of either offense might well supply cause for probation.
consequencesnounUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwensəz/
plural of “consequence” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
corridornounUS /ˈkɔːrədər/
an enclosed passageway; rooms usually open onto it
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
crestnounUS /krest/
the top line of a hill, mountain, or wave
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
darkenedadjectiveUS /ˈdɑːrkənd/
(of fabrics and paper) grown dark in color over time
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
detectionnounUS /dɪˈtekʃən/
the perception that something has occurred or some state exists
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
dormitoriesnounUS /ˈdɔːrmətɔːriz/
plural of “dormitory” — a college or university building containing living quarters for students
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading A MIDNIGHT ESCAPADE The seven Predatory Marauders went silently and rapidly down the path.
one or the other of two
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
ESCAPADEnounUS /ˈeskəpeɪd/
a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)
From this reading A MIDNIGHT ESCAPADE The seven Predatory Marauders went silently and rapidly down the path.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
communicated in words
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading To be found guilty of either offense might well supply cause for probation.
forbiddingadjectiveUS /fərˈbɪdɪŋ/
harshly uninviting or formidable in manner or appearance
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
set up or found
From this reading To be found guilty of either offense might well supply cause for probation.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
activities that are enjoyable or amusing
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
responsible for or chargeable with a reprehensible act
From this reading To be found guilty of either offense might well supply cause for probation.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
lawnnounUS /lɔːn/
a field of cultivated and mowed grass
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
go away from a place
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
without good reason
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
engage in
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
MaraudersnounUS /mərˈɔːdərz/
plural of “marauder” — someone who attacks in search of booty
From this reading A MIDNIGHT ESCAPADE The seven Predatory Marauders went silently and rapidly down the path.
meadownounUS /ˈmedoʊ/
a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night
From this reading A MIDNIGHT ESCAPADE The seven Predatory Marauders went silently and rapidly down the path.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
not any; not one
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
offensenounUS /əˈfens/
a lack of politeness; a failure to show regard for others; wounding the feelings or others
From this reading To be found guilty of either offense might well supply cause for probation.
on one occasion
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
and nothing more
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
OxfordnounUS /ˈɑːksfərd/
a city in southern England to the northwest of London; site of Oxford University
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
a course of conduct
From this reading A MIDNIGHT ESCAPADE The seven Predatory Marauders went silently and rapidly down the path.
approval to do something
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
PredatoryadjectiveUS /ˈpredətɔːri/
characterized by plundering or pillaging or marauding
From this reading A MIDNIGHT ESCAPADE The seven Predatory Marauders went silently and rapidly down the path.
the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
probationnounUS /proʊˈbeɪʃən/
a trial period during which your character and abilities are tested to see whether you are suitable for work or for membership
From this reading To be found guilty of either offense might well supply cause for probation.
the possibility of future success
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
with speed
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
with speed
From this reading A MIDNIGHT ESCAPADE The seven Predatory Marauders went silently and rapidly down the path.
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
rulesnounUS /ruːlz/
plural of “rule” — a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
an educational institution
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading A MIDNIGHT ESCAPADE The seven Predatory Marauders went silently and rapidly down the path.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
without speaking
From this reading A MIDNIGHT ESCAPADE The seven Predatory Marauders went silently and rapidly down the path.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
express in speech
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
studentsnounUS /ˈstuːdənts/
plural of “student” — a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
supper-time
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
give something useful or necessary to
From this reading To be found guilty of either offense might well supply cause for probation.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A MIDNIGHT ESCAPADE The seven Predatory Marauders went silently and rapidly down the path.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Once over the crest of The Prospect, as the lawn in front of Oxford is called, the path fell quickly to the meadow below, and every member of the little band either expressed relief or experienced it.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
violatingverbUS /ˈvaɪəleɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “violate” — fail to agree with; be in violation of; as of rules or patterns
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
(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 To be found guilty of either offense might well supply cause for probation.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading A MIDNIGHT ESCAPADE The seven Predatory Marauders went silently and rapidly down the path.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
which person or people
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading Although only corridor lights showed in the dormitories, there was no knowing who might be staring out at them from some darkened window.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading They might speak lightly of the risk and make fun of the consequences of detection, but the fact remained that they were violating two principal rules of the school, one forbidding students to leave the dormitories after ten o’clock, the other forbidding absence from the school grounds after supper-time without permission.
