Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

showing unselfish concern for the welfare of others

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

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

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

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

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

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

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

a distinct feature or element in a problem

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

adopted in order to deceive

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

completely unclothed

From this reading It might lay bare a motive, put the bloodhounds of the law on a well-marked trail, and render impossible the escape of the guilty ones.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

plural of “bloodhound” — a breed of large powerful hound of European origin having very acute smell and used in tracking

From this reading It might lay bare a motive, put the bloodhounds of the law on a well-marked trail, and render impossible the escape of the guilty ones.

an administrative unit of government

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

a native or naturalized member of a state or other political community

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

transmit information

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

close interaction

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

English botanical writer and publisher (1746-1799)

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

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

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

precise; explicit and clearly defined

From this reading Nay more, such definite information would help the police materially in their pursuit of the murderers.

the act of discovering something

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

fearful expectation or anticipation

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

being one more than seven

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

forced or compelled or put in force

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

the act of escaping physically

From this reading It might lay bare a motive, put the bloodhounds of the law on a well-marked trail, and render impossible the escape of the guilty ones.

a ceremonial dinner party for many people

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

shockingly repellent; inspiring horror

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

superlative of “grim” — not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

responsible for or chargeable with a reprehensible act

From this reading It might lay bare a motive, put the bloodhounds of the law on a well-marked trail, and render impossible the escape of the guilty ones.

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

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Nay more, such definite information would help the police materially in their pursuit of the murderers.

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

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

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

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

intense and profound fear

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

moving with great haste

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading It might lay bare a motive, put the bloodhounds of the law on a well-marked trail, and render impossible the escape of the guilty ones.

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

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

a message received and understood

From this reading Nay more, such definite information would help the police materially in their pursuit of the murderers.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading It might lay bare a motive, put the bloodhounds of the law on a well-marked trail, and render impossible the escape of the guilty ones.

(of individuals) adhering strictly to laws and rules and customs

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading It might lay bare a motive, put the bloodhounds of the law on a well-marked trail, and render impossible the escape of the guilty ones.

deprived of life; no longer living

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

the deliberate act of deviating from the truth

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

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

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

with respect to material aspects

From this reading Nay more, such definite information would help the police materially in their pursuit of the murderers.

and nothing more

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading It might lay bare a motive, put the bloodhounds of the law on a well-marked trail, and render impossible the escape of the guilty ones.

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

From this reading Nay more, such definite information would help the police materially in their pursuit of the murderers.

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 It might lay bare a motive, put the bloodhounds of the law on a well-marked trail, and render impossible the escape of the guilty ones.

plural of “murderer” — a criminal who commits homicide (who performs the unlawful premeditated killing of another human being)

From this reading Nay more, such definite information would help the police materially in their pursuit of the murderers.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

an old word for “no”

From this reading Nay more, such definite information would help the police materially in their pursuit of the murderers.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

not any; not one

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

according to the clock

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

inflected form of “occur” — come to pass

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

having official authority or sanction

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading It might lay bare a motive, put the bloodhounds of the law on a well-marked trail, and render impossible the escape of the guilty ones.

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

the force of policemen and officers

From this reading Nay more, such definite information would help the police materially in their pursuit of the murderers.

the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture

From this reading Nay more, such definite information would help the police materially in their pursuit of the murderers.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading It might lay bare a motive, put the bloodhounds of the law on a well-marked trail, and render impossible the escape of the guilty ones.

cause to become

From this reading It might lay bare a motive, put the bloodhounds of the law on a well-marked trail, and render impossible the escape of the guilty ones.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

plural of “spring” — the season of growth

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

devoid of any qualifications or disguise or adornment

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Nay more, such definite information would help the police materially in their pursuit of the murderers.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

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

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Nay more, such definite information would help the police materially in their pursuit of the murderers.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

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

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

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

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

a track or mark left by something that has passed

From this reading It might lay bare a motive, put the bloodhounds of the law on a well-marked trail, and render impossible the escape of the guilty ones.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

urgently needed; absolutely necessary

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

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

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.

clearly indicated

From this reading It might lay bare a motive, put the bloodhounds of the law on a well-marked trail, and render impossible the escape of the guilty ones.

-ing form of “well” — come up, as of a liquid

From this reading EIGHT O'CLOCK From one aspect, Curtis's sense of dread and horror was merely altruistic, the natural welling forth of the springs of human sentiment.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But, beyond an enforced personal contact with a ghastly crime, Curtis had no vital interest in its victim, and it should have occurred to him, as a law-abiding citizen, that his instant duty was to communicate this new discovery to the authorities.

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

From this reading Nay more, such definite information would help the police materially in their pursuit of the murderers.

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading If the man now lying stark and lifeless in that dreary official bureau had in truth been hurrying on his way to a marriage feast, then, indeed, tragedy had assumed its grimmest aspect that night in New York.