used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading He felt vaguely annoyed, slightly uneasy, without being able to sift out the cause.
absent-mindedly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He selected a table which commanded a view of the entrance, toyed with the menu card, absent-mindedly ordered a Scotch highball, and slowly scrutinized the occupants of the tables in his neighborhood.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
annoyedadjectiveUS /əˈnɔɪd/
aroused to impatience or anger
From this reading He felt vaguely annoyed, slightly uneasy, without being able to sift out the cause.
ascendedverbUS /əˈsendɪd/
past form of “ascend” — travel up
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
audacitynounUS /ɑːˈdæs.ə.t̬i/
A willingness to take bold risks; insolent and daring boldness that defies all authority.
From this reading For a moment he regretted his audacity in encountering the curious eyes of Hong Kong society, a society in which there would inevitably be present a number of his enemies.
balconynounUS /ˈbælkəni/
an upper floor projecting from the rear over the main floor in an auditorium
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading For a moment he regretted his audacity in encountering the curious eyes of Hong Kong society, a society in which there would inevitably be present a number of his enemies.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading He felt vaguely annoyed, slightly uneasy, without being able to sift out the cause.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
Borria
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Romola Borria was not yet in evidence.
one of a set of small pieces of stiff paper marked in various ways and used for playing games or for telling fortunes
From this reading He selected a table which commanded a view of the entrance, toyed with the menu card, absent-mindedly ordered a Scotch highball, and slowly scrutinized the occupants of the tables in his neighborhood.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading He felt vaguely annoyed, slightly uneasy, without being able to sift out the cause.
in a close relation or position in time or space
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
past form of “command” — be in command of
From this reading He selected a table which commanded a view of the entrance, toyed with the menu card, absent-mindedly ordered a Scotch highball, and slowly scrutinized the occupants of the tables in his neighborhood.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading For a moment he regretted his audacity in encountering the curious eyes of Hong Kong society, a society in which there would inevitably be present a number of his enemies.
Desvoeux
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
encounteringverbUS /enˈkaʊntərɪŋ/
-ing form of “encounter” — come together
From this reading For a moment he regretted his audacity in encountering the curious eyes of Hong Kong society, a society in which there would inevitably be present a number of his enemies.
plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force
From this reading For a moment he regretted his audacity in encountering the curious eyes of Hong Kong society, a society in which there would inevitably be present a number of his enemies.
something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading He selected a table which commanded a view of the entrance, toyed with the menu card, absent-mindedly ordered a Scotch highball, and slowly scrutinized the occupants of the tables in his neighborhood.
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
From this reading Romola Borria was not yet in evidence.
opinion or judgment
From this reading For a moment he regretted his audacity in encountering the curious eyes of Hong Kong society, a society in which there would inevitably be present a number of his enemies.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading He felt vaguely annoyed, slightly uneasy, without being able to sift out the cause.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For a moment he regretted his audacity in encountering the curious eyes of Hong Kong society, a society in which there would inevitably be present a number of his enemies.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He selected a table which commanded a view of the entrance, toyed with the menu card, absent-mindedly ordered a Scotch highball, and slowly scrutinized the occupants of the tables in his neighborhood.
highballnoun
a mixed drink made of alcoholic liquor mixed with water or a carbonated beverage and served in a tall glass
From this reading He selected a table which commanded a view of the entrance, toyed with the menu card, absent-mindedly ordered a Scotch highball, and slowly scrutinized the occupants of the tables in his neighborhood.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
Hong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a moment he regretted his audacity in encountering the curious eyes of Hong Kong society, a society in which there would inevitably be present a number of his enemies.
Hong-Kong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
inevitablyadverbUS /ˌɪˈnevətəbli/
in such a manner as could not be otherwise
From this reading For a moment he regretted his audacity in encountering the curious eyes of Hong Kong society, a society in which there would inevitably be present a number of his enemies.
Kong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a moment he regretted his audacity in encountering the curious eyes of Hong Kong society, a society in which there would inevitably be present a number of his enemies.
lackedverbUS /lækt/
past form of “lack” — be without
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
raise from a lower to a higher position
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
menunounUS /ˈmenjuː/
a list of dishes available at a restaurant
From this reading He selected a table which commanded a view of the entrance, toyed with the menu card, absent-mindedly ordered a Scotch highball, and slowly scrutinized the occupants of the tables in his neighborhood.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
a particular point in time
From this reading For a moment he regretted his audacity in encountering the curious eyes of Hong Kong society, a society in which there would inevitably be present a number of his enemies.
neighborhoodnounUS /ˈneɪbərhʊd/
a surrounding or nearby region
From this reading He selected a table which commanded a view of the entrance, toyed with the menu card, absent-mindedly ordered a Scotch highball, and slowly scrutinized the occupants of the tables in his neighborhood.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Romola Borria was not yet in evidence.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading For a moment he regretted his audacity in encountering the curious eyes of Hong Kong society, a society in which there would inevitably be present a number of his enemies.
occupantsnounUS /ˈɑːkjəpənts/
plural of “occupant” — someone who lives at a particular place for a prolonged period or who was born there
From this reading He selected a table which commanded a view of the entrance, toyed with the menu card, absent-mindedly ordered a Scotch highball, and slowly scrutinized the occupants of the tables in his neighborhood.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule
From this reading He selected a table which commanded a view of the entrance, toyed with the menu card, absent-mindedly ordered a Scotch highball, and slowly scrutinized the occupants of the tables in his neighborhood.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading He felt vaguely annoyed, slightly uneasy, without being able to sift out the cause.
packedadjectiveUS /pækt/
extremely crowed or filled to capacity
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading For a moment he regretted his audacity in encountering the curious eyes of Hong Kong society, a society in which there would inevitably be present a number of his enemies.
regrettedverbUS /rɪˈɡretɪd/
inflected form of “regret” — feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about
From this reading For a moment he regretted his audacity in encountering the curious eyes of Hong Kong society, a society in which there would inevitably be present a number of his enemies.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
Romola
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Romola Borria was not yet in evidence.
ScotchnounUS /skɑːtʃ/
a slight surface cut (especially a notch that is made to keep a tally)
From this reading He selected a table which commanded a view of the entrance, toyed with the menu card, absent-mindedly ordered a Scotch highball, and slowly scrutinized the occupants of the tables in his neighborhood.
scrutinizedverbUS /ˈskruːtənaɪzd/
past form of “scrutinize” — to look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail
From this reading He selected a table which commanded a view of the entrance, toyed with the menu card, absent-mindedly ordered a Scotch highball, and slowly scrutinized the occupants of the tables in his neighborhood.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
selectedadjectiveUS /səˈlektɪd/
chosen in preference to another
From this reading He selected a table which commanded a view of the entrance, toyed with the menu card, absent-mindedly ordered a Scotch highball, and slowly scrutinized the occupants of the tables in his neighborhood.
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
siftverbUS /sɪft/
move as if through a sieve
From this reading He felt vaguely annoyed, slightly uneasy, without being able to sift out the cause.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading He felt vaguely annoyed, slightly uneasy, without being able to sift out the cause.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading He selected a table which commanded a view of the entrance, toyed with the menu card, absent-mindedly ordered a Scotch highball, and slowly scrutinized the occupants of the tables in his neighborhood.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading For a moment he regretted his audacity in encountering the curious eyes of Hong Kong society, a society in which there would inevitably be present a number of his enemies.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading He selected a table which commanded a view of the entrance, toyed with the menu card, absent-mindedly ordered a Scotch highball, and slowly scrutinized the occupants of the tables in his neighborhood.
tablesnounUS /ˈteɪbəlz/
plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
in or at that place or location
From this reading For a moment he regretted his audacity in encountering the curious eyes of Hong Kong society, a society in which there would inevitably be present a number of his enemies.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
toyedverbUS /tɔɪd/
past form of “toy” — behave carelessly or indifferently
From this reading He selected a table which commanded a view of the entrance, toyed with the menu card, absent-mindedly ordered a Scotch highball, and slowly scrutinized the occupants of the tables in his neighborhood.
lacking a sense of security or affording no ease or reassurance
From this reading He felt vaguely annoyed, slightly uneasy, without being able to sift out the cause.
vaguelyadverbUS /ˈveɪɡli/
in a vague way
From this reading He felt vaguely annoyed, slightly uneasy, without being able to sift out the cause.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading He selected a table which commanded a view of the entrance, toyed with the menu card, absent-mindedly ordered a Scotch highball, and slowly scrutinized the occupants of the tables in his neighborhood.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Romola Borria was not yet in evidence.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
at the time that
From this reading The hour lacked a few minutes of seven when Peter ascended in the lift to the second floor of the Hong-Kong Hotel and made his way between the closely packed tables to the Desvoeux Road balcony.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He selected a table which commanded a view of the entrance, toyed with the menu card, absent-mindedly ordered a Scotch highball, and slowly scrutinized the occupants of the tables in his neighborhood.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He selected a table which commanded a view of the entrance, toyed with the menu card, absent-mindedly ordered a Scotch highball, and slowly scrutinized the occupants of the tables in his neighborhood.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading He felt vaguely annoyed, slightly uneasy, without being able to sift out the cause.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading For a moment he regretted his audacity in encountering the curious eyes of Hong Kong society, a society in which there would inevitably be present a number of his enemies.
but in spite of that
From this reading Romola Borria was not yet in evidence.
