Chapter XXII · Chapter 22

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

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

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

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

the psychological state of being irritated or annoyed

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic

From this reading If he had any call to town it might be discovered in his anxiety as to what had happened to Odette Rider; whether she had returned to her hotel or was still marked "missing" by the police.

eagerly desirous

From this reading If he had any leanings towards staying at Hertford it was because he was anxious to examine the contents of the wallet at his leisure.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

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

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading If he had any call to town it might be discovered in his anxiety as to what had happened to Odette Rider; whether she had returned to her hotel or was still marked "missing" by the police.

for the reason that

From this reading If he had any leanings towards staying at Hertford it was because he was anxious to examine the contents of the wallet at his leisure.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

an electrical force linking atoms

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading If he had any call to town it might be discovered in his anxiety as to what had happened to Odette Rider; whether she had returned to her hotel or was still marked "missing" by the police.

a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

a state at a particular time

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something

From this reading If he had any leanings towards staying at Hertford it was because he was anxious to examine the contents of the wallet at his leisure.

precise; explicit and clearly defined

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading If he had any call to town it might be discovered in his anxiety as to what had happened to Odette Rider; whether she had returned to her hotel or was still marked "missing" by the police.

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning

From this reading If he had any leanings towards staying at Hertford it was because he was anxious to examine the contents of the wallet at his leisure.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

an outbuilding (or part of a building) for housing automobiles

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

destroyed or killed

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

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

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading If he had any call to town it might be discovered in his anxiety as to what had happened to Odette Rider; whether she had returned to her hotel or was still marked "missing" by the police.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

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

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading If he had any call to town it might be discovered in his anxiety as to what had happened to Odette Rider; whether she had returned to her hotel or was still marked "missing" by the police.

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

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

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

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading If he had any call to town it might be discovered in his anxiety as to what had happened to Odette Rider; whether she had returned to her hotel or was still marked "missing" by the police.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

of the present time and place

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

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

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

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

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading If he had any leanings towards staying at Hertford it was because he was anxious to examine the contents of the wallet at his leisure.

immediately past

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

plural of “leaning” — an inclination to do something

From this reading If he had any leanings towards staying at Hertford it was because he was anxious to examine the contents of the wallet at his leisure.

time available for ease and relaxation

From this reading If he had any leanings towards staying at Hertford it was because he was anxious to examine the contents of the wallet at his leisure.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

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

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading If he had any call to town it might be discovered in his anxiety as to what had happened to Odette Rider; whether she had returned to her hotel or was still marked "missing" by the police.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

not able to be found

From this reading If he had any call to town it might be discovered in his anxiety as to what had happened to Odette Rider; whether she had returned to her hotel or was still marked "missing" by the police.

equipped with a motor or motors

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

the condition of being essential or indispensable

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

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

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

not any; not one

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

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

From this reading If he had any call to town it might be discovered in his anxiety as to what had happened to Odette Rider; whether she had returned to her hotel or was still marked "missing" by the police.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

the force of policemen and officers

From this reading If he had any call to town it might be discovered in his anxiety as to what had happened to Odette Rider; whether she had returned to her hotel or was still marked "missing" by the police.

past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

on the contrary

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

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

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading If he had any call to town it might be discovered in his anxiety as to what had happened to Odette Rider; whether she had returned to her hotel or was still marked "missing" by the police.

a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel)

From this reading If he had any call to town it might be discovered in his anxiety as to what had happened to Odette Rider; whether she had returned to her hotel or was still marked "missing" by the police.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading If he had any call to town it might be discovered in his anxiety as to what had happened to Odette Rider; whether she had returned to her hotel or was still marked "missing" by the police.

a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

use up a period of time in a specific way

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

-ing form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading If he had any leanings towards staying at Hertford it was because he was anxious to examine the contents of the wallet at his leisure.

not in physical motion

From this reading If he had any call to town it might be discovered in his anxiety as to what had happened to Odette Rider; whether she had returned to her hotel or was still marked "missing" by the police.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

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

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

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

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

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

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

in the direction of

From this reading If he had any leanings towards staying at Hertford it was because he was anxious to examine the contents of the wallet at his leisure.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

create by training and teaching

From this reading There was no immediate necessity for his return to town and his annoyance at finding the last train gone was due rather to a natural desire to sleep in his own bed, than to any other cause.

being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

the state of being urgent; an earnest and insistent necessity

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

someone who visits

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

a pocket-size case for holding papers and paper money

From this reading If he had any leanings towards staying at Hertford it was because he was anxious to examine the contents of the wallet at his leisure.

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

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading He might have got a car from a local garage, and motored to London, if there had been any particular urgency, but, he told himself, he might as well spend the night in Hertford as in Bond Street.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading If he had any call to town it might be discovered in his anxiety as to what had happened to Odette Rider; whether she had returned to her hotel or was still marked "missing" by the police.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading If he had any call to town it might be discovered in his anxiety as to what had happened to Odette Rider; whether she had returned to her hotel or was still marked "missing" by the police.

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

From this reading THE NIGHT VISITOR Tarling was less in a dilemma than in that condition of uncertainty which is produced by having no definite plans one way or the other.