aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading COLIN HAYWARD began the journey south with much to wonder about.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading He had obtained no light whatever on the extraordinary affair in front of the burning house, for Sam had not recovered consciousness.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading It was in his path as he turned to the victim’s succour, and he had picked it up almost automatically, with some vague notion that it might be of consequence to somebody or other.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was in his path as he turned to the victim’s succour, and he had picked it up almost automatically, with some vague notion that it might be of consequence to somebody or other.
any thing at all
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
automaticallyadverbUS /ˌɔːtəˈmætɪkli/
in a reflex manner
From this reading It was in his path as he turned to the victim’s succour, and he had picked it up almost automatically, with some vague notion that it might be of consequence to somebody or other.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was in his path as he turned to the victim’s succour, and he had picked it up almost automatically, with some vague notion that it might be of consequence to somebody or other.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading COLIN HAYWARD began the journey south with much to wonder about.
the act of burning something
From this reading He had obtained no light whatever on the extraordinary affair in front of the burning house, for Sam had not recovered consciousness.
COLIN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading COLIN HAYWARD began the journey south with much to wonder about.
an alert cognitive state in which you are aware of yourself and your situation
From this reading He had obtained no light whatever on the extraordinary affair in front of the burning house, for Sam had not recovered consciousness.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading It was in his path as he turned to the victim’s succour, and he had picked it up almost automatically, with some vague notion that it might be of consequence to somebody or other.
cowardnounUS /ˈkaʊərd/
a person who shows fear or timidity
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
crushedadjectiveUS /krʌʃt/
treated so as to have a permanently wrinkled appearance
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading It was, indeed, doubtful whether he would ever do so.
doubtfuladjectiveUS /ˈdaʊtfəl/
open to doubt or suspicion
From this reading It was, indeed, doubtful whether he would ever do so.
at any time
From this reading It was, indeed, doubtful whether he would ever do so.
beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
From this reading He had obtained no light whatever on the extraordinary affair in front of the burning house, for Sam had not recovered consciousness.
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He had obtained no light whatever on the extraordinary affair in front of the burning house, for Sam had not recovered consciousness.
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading He had obtained no light whatever on the extraordinary affair in front of the burning house, for Sam had not recovered consciousness.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had obtained no light whatever on the extraordinary affair in front of the burning house, for Sam had not recovered consciousness.
half-suffocated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
HAYWARD
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading COLIN HAYWARD began the journey south with much to wonder about.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had obtained no light whatever on the extraordinary affair in front of the burning house, for Sam had not recovered consciousness.
lacking in or deprived of strength or power
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading He had obtained no light whatever on the extraordinary affair in front of the burning house, for Sam had not recovered consciousness.
identitynounUS /aɪˈdentɪtiː/
the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He had obtained no light whatever on the extraordinary affair in front of the burning house, for Sam had not recovered consciousness.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading It was, indeed, doubtful whether he would ever do so.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was, indeed, doubtful whether he would ever do so.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading COLIN HAYWARD began the journey south with much to wonder about.
latter'snounUS /ˈlætərz/
possessive form of “latter” — the second of two or the second mentioned of two
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading He had obtained no light whatever on the extraordinary affair in front of the burning house, for Sam had not recovered consciousness.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading It was in his path as he turned to the victim’s succour, and he had picked it up almost automatically, with some vague notion that it might be of consequence to somebody or other.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading COLIN HAYWARD began the journey south with much to wonder about.
muffledadjectiveUS /ˈmʌfəld/
being or made softer or less loud or clear
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
not any; not one
From this reading He had obtained no light whatever on the extraordinary affair in front of the burning house, for Sam had not recovered consciousness.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He had obtained no light whatever on the extraordinary affair in front of the burning house, for Sam had not recovered consciousness.
being perceived or observed
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading It was in his path as he turned to the victim’s succour, and he had picked it up almost automatically, with some vague notion that it might be of consequence to somebody or other.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
past form of “obtain” — come into possession of
From this reading He had obtained no light whatever on the extraordinary affair in front of the burning house, for Sam had not recovered consciousness.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He had obtained no light whatever on the extraordinary affair in front of the burning house, for Sam had not recovered consciousness.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He had obtained no light whatever on the extraordinary affair in front of the burning house, for Sam had not recovered consciousness.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It was in his path as he turned to the victim’s succour, and he had picked it up almost automatically, with some vague notion that it might be of consequence to somebody or other.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading It was in his path as he turned to the victim’s succour, and he had picked it up almost automatically, with some vague notion that it might be of consequence to somebody or other.
owingadjectiveUS /ˈoʊɪŋ/
owed as a debt
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
a course of conduct
From this reading It was in his path as he turned to the victim’s succour, and he had picked it up almost automatically, with some vague notion that it might be of consequence to somebody or other.
past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group
From this reading It was in his path as he turned to the victim’s succour, and he had picked it up almost automatically, with some vague notion that it might be of consequence to somebody or other.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
postmannounUS /ˈpoʊstmən/
a man who delivers the mail
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
a feeling of intense anger
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
freed from illness or injury
From this reading He had obtained no light whatever on the extraordinary affair in front of the burning house, for Sam had not recovered consciousness.
a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target
From this reading He had obtained no light whatever on the extraordinary affair in front of the burning house, for Sam had not recovered consciousness.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It was, indeed, doubtful whether he would ever do so.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading It was in his path as he turned to the victim’s succour, and he had picked it up almost automatically, with some vague notion that it might be of consequence to somebody or other.
a person, without saying who
From this reading It was in his path as he turned to the victim’s succour, and he had picked it up almost automatically, with some vague notion that it might be of consequence to somebody or other.
the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading COLIN HAYWARD began the journey south with much to wonder about.
succournoun
assistance in time of difficulty
From this reading It was in his path as he turned to the victim’s succour, and he had picked it up almost automatically, with some vague notion that it might be of consequence to somebody or other.
an impression that something might be the case
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
carry out
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was in his path as he turned to the victim’s succour, and he had picked it up almost automatically, with some vague notion that it might be of consequence to somebody or other.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading COLIN HAYWARD began the journey south with much to wonder about.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading COLIN HAYWARD began the journey south with much to wonder about.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading It was in his path as he turned to the victim’s succour, and he had picked it up almost automatically, with some vague notion that it might be of consequence to somebody or other.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading It was in his path as he turned to the victim’s succour, and he had picked it up almost automatically, with some vague notion that it might be of consequence to somebody or other.
not clearly expressed or understood
From this reading It was in his path as he turned to the victim’s succour, and he had picked it up almost automatically, with some vague notion that it might be of consequence to somebody or other.
victim'snounUS /ˈvɪktəmz/
possessive form of “victim” — an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance
From this reading It was in his path as he turned to the victim’s succour, and he had picked it up almost automatically, with some vague notion that it might be of consequence to somebody or other.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was, indeed, doubtful whether he would ever do so.
any or all of a kind, it does not matter which
From this reading He had obtained no light whatever on the extraordinary affair in front of the burning house, for Sam had not recovered consciousness.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading It was, indeed, doubtful whether he would ever do so.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Colin had not the slightest suspicion as to the identity of the muffled coward whom he had seen fell the half-suffocated postman; he had not, owing to position, observed the former take anything from the latter’s helpless hand; neither had he in his rage noticed the crushed letter fall.
in the company of; together with
From this reading COLIN HAYWARD began the journey south with much to wonder about.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading COLIN HAYWARD began the journey south with much to wonder about.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It was, indeed, doubtful whether he would ever do so.
