Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

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

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

(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 True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

past form of “amass” — collect or gather

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

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

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

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

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

in a state of sleep

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

an unofficial association of people or groups

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

lacking funds

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But Hok Lee was by no means the virtuous person his neighbours thought him.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But Hok Lee was by no means the virtuous person his neighbours thought him.

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

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

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

at any time

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

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

From this reading ‘Why, Hok Lee, what is the matter with your face?

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

people in general (often used in the plural)

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

the act of departing

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

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

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

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

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

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

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

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

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

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

From this reading But Hok Lee was by no means the virtuous person his neighbours thought him.

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

From this reading But Hok Lee was by no means the virtuous person his neighbours thought him.

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

From this reading But Hok Lee was by no means the virtuous person his neighbours thought him.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

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

From this reading ‘Why, Hok Lee, what is the matter with your face?

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

become part of; become a member of a group or organization

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

United States filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in America (born in 1957)

From this reading But Hok Lee was by no means the virtuous person his neighbours thought him.

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

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

the world of commercial activity where goods and services are bought and sold

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading ‘Why, Hok Lee, what is the matter with your face?

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading But Hok Lee was by no means the virtuous person his neighbours thought him.

the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

the time period between dawn and noon

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

plural of “neighbour” — a person who lives (or is located) near another

From this reading But Hok Lee was by no means the virtuous person his neighbours thought him.

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

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

not any; not one

From this reading But Hok Lee was by no means the virtuous person his neighbours thought him.

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

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

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

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

possessive form of “people” — (plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

a human being

From this reading But Hok Lee was by no means the virtuous person his neighbours thought him.

the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

subjected to a penalty (as pain or shame or restraint or loss) for an offense or fault or in order to coerce some behavior (as a confession or obedience)

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

possessing material wealth

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

plural of “robbery” — larceny by threat of violence

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

Persons who steal from a person or place, especially using violence or threats.

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

have in common

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

take without the owner's consent

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

an impression that something might be the case

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

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

From this reading But Hok Lee was by no means the virtuous person his neighbours thought him.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

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

From this reading Hok Lee had already amassed a good store of money as his share of the proceeds of these robberies when it happened one morning on going to market that a neighbour said to him:

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

a criminal who takes property belonging to someone else with the intention of keeping it or selling it

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

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

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

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

From this reading But Hok Lee was by no means the virtuous person his neighbours thought him.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

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

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

precisely as stated

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

morally excellent

From this reading But Hok Lee was by no means the virtuous person his neighbours thought him.

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

From this reading But Hok Lee was by no means the virtuous person his neighbours thought him.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading This state of things went on for some time, and, though a thief was caught now and then and punished, no suspicion ever fell on Hok Lee, he was such a very respectable, hard-working man.

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

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading ‘Why, Hok Lee, what is the matter with your face?

at the time that

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

which person or people

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading ‘Why, Hok Lee, what is the matter with your face?

in the company of; together with

From this reading ‘Why, Hok Lee, what is the matter with your face?

past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading True, he worked hard enough by day, but at night, when all respectable folk were fast asleep, he used to steal out and join a dangerous band of robbers, who broke into rich people’s houses and carried off all they could lay hands on.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading ‘Why, Hok Lee, what is the matter with your face?