Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

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

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading "I don't see any possible interest that he could have had in that, sir; but, certainly, I have never been able to account for his conduct."

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "It is clear that there is some mystery about it," the earl said warmly, "and were I you, I should certainly take leave of absence, for a time, and go over and get to the bottom of the matter.

the state of being absent

From this reading "It is clear that there is some mystery about it," the earl said warmly, "and were I you, I should certainly take leave of absence, for a time, and go over and get to the bottom of the matter.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading "I don't see any possible interest that he could have had in that, sir; but, certainly, I have never been able to account for his conduct."

later than; following

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

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

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading "I don't see any possible interest that he could have had in that, sir; but, certainly, I have never been able to account for his conduct."

past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At any rate, I will at once write to London and obtain a safe conduct for you.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading "I don't see any possible interest that he could have had in that, sir; but, certainly, I have never been able to account for his conduct."

the lower side of anything

From this reading "It is clear that there is some mystery about it," the earl said warmly, "and were I you, I should certainly take leave of absence, for a time, and go over and get to the bottom of the matter.

a youthful male person

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "I don't see any possible interest that he could have had in that, sir; but, certainly, I have never been able to account for his conduct."

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

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

rid of obstructions

From this reading "It is clear that there is some mystery about it," the earl said warmly, "and were I you, I should certainly take leave of absence, for a time, and go over and get to the bottom of the matter.

direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading "I don't see any possible interest that he could have had in that, sir; but, certainly, I have never been able to account for his conduct."

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

From this reading "I don't see any possible interest that he could have had in that, sir; but, certainly, I have never been able to account for his conduct."

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

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

true confidential information

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

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

From this reading "I don't see any possible interest that he could have had in that, sir; but, certainly, I have never been able to account for his conduct."

a British peer ranking below a marquess and above a viscount

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

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

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

a movement into or inward

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

at any time

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading "It is clear that there is some mystery about it," the earl said warmly, "and were I you, I should certainly take leave of absence, for a time, and go over and get to the bottom of the matter.

the act of acquiring something

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading "It is clear that there is some mystery about it," the earl said warmly, "and were I you, I should certainly take leave of absence, for a time, and go over and get to the bottom of the matter.

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

From this reading "I don't see any possible interest that he could have had in that, sir; but, certainly, I have never been able to account for his conduct."

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

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

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

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

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "I don't see any possible interest that he could have had in that, sir; but, certainly, I have never been able to account for his conduct."

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

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

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

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

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

the land on which real estate is located

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

go away from a place

From this reading "It is clear that there is some mystery about it," the earl said warmly, "and were I you, I should certainly take leave of absence, for a time, and go over and get to the bottom of the matter.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading At any rate, I will at once write to London and obtain a safe conduct for you.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading "It is clear that there is some mystery about it," the earl said warmly, "and were I you, I should certainly take leave of absence, for a time, and go over and get to the bottom of the matter.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading "It is clear that there is some mystery about it," the earl said warmly, "and were I you, I should certainly take leave of absence, for a time, and go over and get to the bottom of the matter.

characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading "I don't see any possible interest that he could have had in that, sir; but, certainly, I have never been able to account for his conduct."

immediately following in time or order

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

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

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

come into possession of

From this reading At any rate, I will at once write to London and obtain a safe conduct for you.

past form of “obtain” — come into possession of

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

on one occasion

From this reading At any rate, I will at once write to London and obtain a safe conduct for you.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

above and across; more than

From this reading "It is clear that there is some mystery about it," the earl said warmly, "and were I you, I should certainly take leave of absence, for a time, and go over and get to the bottom of the matter.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading "I don't see any possible interest that he could have had in that, sir; but, certainly, I have never been able to account for his conduct."

plural of “question” — an instance of questioning

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit

From this reading At any rate, I will at once write to London and obtain a safe conduct for you.

cause to become

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading At any rate, I will at once write to London and obtain a safe conduct for you.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading "I don't see any possible interest that he could have had in that, sir; but, certainly, I have never been able to account for his conduct."

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

term of address for a man

From this reading "I don't see any possible interest that he could have had in that, sir; but, certainly, I have never been able to account for his conduct."

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

carry out

From this reading "It is clear that there is some mystery about it," the earl said warmly, "and were I you, I should certainly take leave of absence, for a time, and go over and get to the bottom of the matter.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

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

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

in or at that place or location

From this reading "It is clear that there is some mystery about it," the earl said warmly, "and were I you, I should certainly take leave of absence, for a time, and go over and get to the bottom of the matter.

in a thoughtful manner

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading "It is clear that there is some mystery about it," the earl said warmly, "and were I you, I should certainly take leave of absence, for a time, and go over and get to the bottom of the matter.

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

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

in a hearty manner

From this reading "It is clear that there is some mystery about it," the earl said warmly, "and were I you, I should certainly take leave of absence, for a time, and go over and get to the bottom of the matter.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading "It is clear that there is some mystery about it," the earl said warmly, "and were I you, I should certainly take leave of absence, for a time, and go over and get to the bottom of the matter.

at the time that

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading At any rate, I will at once write to London and obtain a safe conduct for you.

in the company of; together with

From this reading After hearing Desmond's story the earl asked several questions, and obtained further details of his life when a boy, and of his interview with John O'Carroll.

an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

produce a literary work

From this reading At any rate, I will at once write to London and obtain a safe conduct for you.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "It is certainly strange," he said thoughtfully, "and worth enquiring into, for it would seem that he must have some interest in thus getting you out of the way, and in your entering a service that would render it next to impossible that you should ever return to your native land."