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 The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

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

From this reading AN INDUCTIVE ARGUMENT.

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

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

struck with fear, dread, or consternation

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

move towards

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

a fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true

From this reading AN INDUCTIVE ARGUMENT.

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

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

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

From this reading If he showed himself, he might be suspected of setting the trap into which the miser had fallen.

for the reason that

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

a deep opening in the earth's surface

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

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

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

a state at a particular time

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

having the place or position changed

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

an enclosure in a court of law where the defendant sits during the trial

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading He was in doubt whether to exhibit himself to the injured man or not.

show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill

From this reading He was in doubt whether to exhibit himself to the injured man or not.

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

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading If he showed himself, he might be suspected of setting the trap into which the miser had fallen.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

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

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

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

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

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

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

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

From this reading He was in doubt whether to exhibit himself to the injured man or not.

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

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If he showed himself, he might be suspected of setting the trap into which the miser had fallen.

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

From this reading He was in doubt whether to exhibit himself to the injured man or not.

brought about or caused; not spontaneous

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

arising from inductance

From this reading AN INDUCTIVE ARGUMENT.

harmed

From this reading He was in doubt whether to exhibit himself to the injured man or not.

address a question to and expect an answer from

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

and nothing more

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

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

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading If he showed himself, he might be suspected of setting the trap into which the miser had fallen.

a stingy hoarder of money and possessions (often living miserably)

From this reading If he showed himself, he might be suspected of setting the trap into which the miser had fallen.

the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

a form of address for a man

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

not any; not one

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He was in doubt whether to exhibit himself to the injured man or not.

a course of conduct

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

a precautionary measure warding off impending danger or damage or injury etc.

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

arising from or characterized by prudence especially in business matters

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

precisely, exactly

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

marked by obliqueness or indirection in speech or conduct

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

the context and environment in which something is set

From this reading If he showed himself, he might be suspected of setting the trap into which the miser had fallen.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading If he showed himself, he might be suspected of setting the trap into which the miser had fallen.

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

comparative of “strong” — having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

believed likely

From this reading If he showed himself, he might be suspected of setting the trap into which the miser had fallen.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

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

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

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

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned

From this reading If he showed himself, he might be suspected of setting the trap into which the miser had fallen.

past form of “tumble” — fall down, as if collapsing

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

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

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

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

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The old man might be dead, and curiosity, if no stronger motive, induced him to inquire into his condition; but he took the precaution to reach the path by a roundabout way, and approach the chasm as though he had just come from his house.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading He was in doubt whether to exhibit himself to the injured man or not.

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

From this reading If he showed himself, he might be suspected of setting the trap into which the miser had fallen.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading Dock Vincent was appalled to find that he had tumbled Mr. Fairfield into the chasm; not that he was disturbed by any compunctions of conscience, but because he wished to keep on the right side of the old man, from prudential motives.