Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

-ing form of “address” — speak to

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

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

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

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

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

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

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading It opened before I could respond, and a total stranger entered the room.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

a line that indicates a boundary

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

of a stringed instrument; sounded by stroking with a bow

From this reading I bowed and indicated a chair which he declined with a wave of his hand but with a smile that was as genial as his face was masterful and handsome.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

a seat for one person, with a support for the back

From this reading I bowed and indicated a chair which he declined with a wave of his hand but with a smile that was as genial as his face was masterful and handsome.

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

From this reading It opened before I could respond, and a total stranger entered the room.

in a polite manner

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

placed crosswise

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

a male monarch or emperor (especially of Russia prior to 1917)

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

past form of “decline” — grow worse

From this reading I bowed and indicated a chair which he declined with a wave of his hand but with a smile that was as genial as his face was masterful and handsome.

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

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading It opened before I could respond, and a total stranger entered the room.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading I bowed and indicated a chair which he declined with a wave of his hand but with a smile that was as genial as his face was masterful and handsome.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

diffusing warmth and friendliness

From this reading I bowed and indicated a chair which he declined with a wave of his hand but with a smile that was as genial as his face was masterful and handsome.

past form of “greet” — express greetings upon meeting someone

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

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

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading I bowed and indicated a chair which he declined with a wave of his hand but with a smile that was as genial as his face was masterful and handsome.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading I bowed and indicated a chair which he declined with a wave of his hand but with a smile that was as genial as his face was masterful and handsome.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

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

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

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

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

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

From this reading I bowed and indicated a chair which he declined with a wave of his hand but with a smile that was as genial as his face was masterful and handsome.

a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

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

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

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

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

past form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading I bowed and indicated a chair which he declined with a wave of his hand but with a smile that was as genial as his face was masterful and handsome.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It opened before I could respond, and a total stranger entered the room.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

having or revealing supreme mastery or skill

From this reading I bowed and indicated a chair which he declined with a wave of his hand but with a smile that was as genial as his face was masterful and handsome.

past form of “mention” — make reference to

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

a form of address for a man

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

of an obscure nature

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading It opened before I could respond, and a total stranger entered the room.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

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

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

above and across; more than

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

plural of “passport” — any authorization to pass or go somewhere

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

a town in southeastern Virginia (south of Richmond); scene of heavy fighting during the American Civil War

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

the force of policemen and officers

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

deeply or seriously thoughtful

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

the act of giving a false appearance

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

show a response or a reaction to something

From this reading It opened before I could respond, and a total stranger entered the room.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading It opened before I could respond, and a total stranger entered the room.

a native or inhabitant of Russia

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

(of something seen or heard) clearly defined

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure

From this reading I bowed and indicated a chair which he declined with a wave of his hand but with a smile that was as genial as his face was masterful and handsome.

Rhodesian statesman who declared independence of Zimbabwe from Great Britain (born in 1919)

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

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

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

not in physical motion

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading It opened before I could respond, and a total stranger entered the room.

a request to be present

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

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

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

in or at that place or location

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

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

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

add up in number or quantity

From this reading It opened before I could respond, and a total stranger entered the room.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

the act of using

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

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

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)

From this reading I bowed and indicated a chair which he declined with a wave of his hand but with a smile that was as genial as his face was masterful and handsome.

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

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

at the time that

From this reading IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CZAR I had been in St. Petersburg less than an hour and was still pondering over the uncertainty of what first to do in order to begin the difficult task that I had set for myself, when I was startled by a sharp summons at my door.

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

From this reading "I believe I have the honor of addressing Mr. Derrington," he said in perfect English, making use of my true name which however, was not the one mentioned in my passports, for I had crossed the border under the name of Smith.

which person or people

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.

in the company of; together with

From this reading That he was an officer of that mysterious force known as the Russian Secret Police I had not a doubt, but I greeted him courteously, pretending not to see that there were others with him, who waited in the hallway.