Chapter I

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

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

plural of “accident” — an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

having companions or an escort

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

later than; following

From this reading One after another the conspirators' hiding places had been cut off from him; there still remained to him a few streets and boulevards and restaurants where he might go undiscovered.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Chance this time had turned dangerously against him.

the process of paying close and continuous attention

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

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

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading One after another the conspirators' hiding places had been cut off from him; there still remained to him a few streets and boulevards and restaurants where he might go undiscovered.

inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

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

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

plural of “boulevard” — a wide street or thoroughfare

From this reading One after another the conspirators' hiding places had been cut off from him; there still remained to him a few streets and boulevards and restaurants where he might go undiscovered.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

a slight indication

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

plural of “complication” — the act or process of complicating

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

plural of “conspirator” — a member of a conspiracy

From this reading One after another the conspirators' hiding places had been cut off from him; there still remained to him a few streets and boulevards and restaurants where he might go undiscovered.

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

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

separate with or as if with an instrument

From this reading One after another the conspirators' hiding places had been cut off from him; there still remained to him a few streets and boulevards and restaurants where he might go undiscovered.

In a way that involves danger or risk.

From this reading Chance this time had turned dangerously against him.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

plural of “detective” — a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

at any time

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading One after another the conspirators' hiding places had been cut off from him; there still remained to him a few streets and boulevards and restaurants where he might go undiscovered.

a stroke of luck

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading One after another the conspirators' hiding places had been cut off from him; there still remained to him a few streets and boulevards and restaurants where he might go undiscovered.

a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading One after another the conspirators' hiding places had been cut off from him; there still remained to him a few streets and boulevards and restaurants where he might go undiscovered.

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

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

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

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

plural of “hazard” — a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

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

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

the activity of keeping something secret

From this reading One after another the conspirators' hiding places had been cut off from him; there still remained to him a few streets and boulevards and restaurants where he might go undiscovered.

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

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

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

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

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

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

immediately past

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading One after another the conspirators' hiding places had been cut off from him; there still remained to him a few streets and boulevards and restaurants where he might go undiscovered.

a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

someone who rejects all theories of morality or religious belief

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

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

From this reading One after another the conspirators' hiding places had been cut off from him; there still remained to him a few streets and boulevards and restaurants where he might go undiscovered.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

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

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

a habitual or characteristic mental attitude that determines how you will interpret and respond to situations

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading One after another the conspirators' hiding places had been cut off from him; there still remained to him a few streets and boulevards and restaurants where he might go undiscovered.

the force of policemen and officers

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

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

From this reading One after another the conspirators' hiding places had been cut off from him; there still remained to him a few streets and boulevards and restaurants where he might go undiscovered.

plural of “restaurant” — a building where people go to eat

From this reading One after another the conspirators' hiding places had been cut off from him; there still remained to him a few streets and boulevards and restaurants where he might go undiscovered.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

express in words

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

(law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

not in physical motion

From this reading One after another the conspirators' hiding places had been cut off from him; there still remained to him a few streets and boulevards and restaurants where he might go undiscovered.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading One after another the conspirators' hiding places had been cut off from him; there still remained to him a few streets and boulevards and restaurants where he might go undiscovered.

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

happening without warning or in a short space of time

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

a rate (usually rapid) at which something happens

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

inflected form of “teach” — impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

causing fear or dread or terror

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

a radical who employs terror as a political weapon; usually organizes with other terrorists in small cells; often uses religion as a cover for terrorist activities

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

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

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

in or at that place or location

From this reading One after another the conspirators' hiding places had been cut off from him; there still remained to him a few streets and boulevards and restaurants where he might go undiscovered.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

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

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Chance this time had turned dangerously against him.

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

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

a line or route along which something travels or moves

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading Chance this time had turned dangerously against him.

plural of “turn” — a circular segment of a curve

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

plural of “undertaking” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

not discovered

From this reading One after another the conspirators' hiding places had been cut off from him; there still remained to him a few streets and boulevards and restaurants where he might go undiscovered.

not encouraging or approving or pleasing

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

incapable of being anticipated

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

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

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.

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

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

in or at the place that

From this reading One after another the conspirators' hiding places had been cut off from him; there still remained to him a few streets and boulevards and restaurants where he might go undiscovered.

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

From this reading As a rule success had accompanied him in all his undertakings, but during the last three days complications had arisen which were unfavourable, not to say critical.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading A mere fluke, one of those unforeseeable accidents, had provided the police with a clue; for two whole days the detectives had been on his track, a known terrorist and nihilist, drawing the net ever closer round him.

in the company of; together with

From this reading His life, though a short one, had long been a game of terrible hazards; he was accustomed to these sudden turns of chance and could deal with them; the stake had before been life itself, his own and others', and this by itself had taught him alertness, swiftness of thought, and a cold hard outlook.