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 As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

later than; following

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

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

From this reading AN ENCOUNTER Alan, standing in the darkness of the hall, felt in his pocket for his matches and struck one on the box.

(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 he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

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

From this reading AN ENCOUNTER Alan, standing in the darkness of the hall, felt in his pocket for his matches and struck one on the box.

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

From this reading AN ENCOUNTER Alan, standing in the darkness of the hall, felt in his pocket for his matches and struck one on the box.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

any thing at all

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

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

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading The light showed the hall in front of him, reaching back into some vague, distant darkness, and great rooms with wide portiered doorways gaping on both sides.

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

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

the two together, not just one

From this reading The light showed the hall in front of him, reaching back into some vague, distant darkness, and great rooms with wide portiered doorways gaping on both sides.

a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading AN ENCOUNTER Alan, standing in the darkness of the hall, felt in his pocket for his matches and struck one on the box.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

not accessible to view

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

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

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading AN ENCOUNTER Alan, standing in the darkness of the hall, felt in his pocket for his matches and struck one on the box.

the act of leaving secretly or without explanation

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

separated in space or coming from or going to a distance

From this reading The light showed the hall in front of him, reaching back into some vague, distant darkness, and great rooms with wide portiered doorways gaping on both sides.

plural of “doorway” — the entrance (the space in a wall) through which you enter or leave a room or building; the space that a door can close

From this reading The light showed the hall in front of him, reaching back into some vague, distant darkness, and great rooms with wide portiered doorways gaping on both sides.

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

From this reading He turned into the room upon his right, glanced to see that the shades were drawn on the windows toward the street, then found the switch and turned on the electric light.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

using or providing or producing or transmitting or operated by electricity

From this reading He turned into the room upon his right, glanced to see that the shades were drawn on the windows toward the street, then found the switch and turned on the electric light.

come together

From this reading AN ENCOUNTER Alan, standing in the darkness of the hall, felt in his pocket for his matches and struck one on the box.

at any time

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

apart from; not including

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

an expectation

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

in an expensive manner

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading AN ENCOUNTER Alan, standing in the darkness of the hall, felt in his pocket for his matches and struck one on the box.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading AN ENCOUNTER Alan, standing in the darkness of the hall, felt in his pocket for his matches and struck one on the box.

inflected form of “fight” — be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

set up or found

From this reading He turned into the room upon his right, glanced to see that the shades were drawn on the windows toward the street, then found the switch and turned on the electric light.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading The light showed the hall in front of him, reaching back into some vague, distant darkness, and great rooms with wide portiered doorways gaping on both sides.

provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

with the mouth wide open as in wonder or awe

From this reading The light showed the hall in front of him, reaching back into some vague, distant darkness, and great rooms with wide portiered doorways gaping on both sides.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at

From this reading He turned into the room upon his right, glanced to see that the shades were drawn on the windows toward the street, then found the switch and turned on the electric light.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading The light showed the hall in front of him, reaching back into some vague, distant darkness, and great rooms with wide portiered doorways gaping on both sides.

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

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading AN ENCOUNTER Alan, standing in the darkness of the hall, felt in his pocket for his matches and struck one on the box.

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

From this reading He turned into the room upon his right, glanced to see that the shades were drawn on the windows toward the street, then found the switch and turned on the electric light.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

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

From this reading The light showed the hall in front of him, reaching back into some vague, distant darkness, and great rooms with wide portiered doorways gaping on both sides.

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

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

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

From this reading AN ENCOUNTER Alan, standing in the darkness of the hall, felt in his pocket for his matches and struck one on the box.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

inflected form of “imply” — express or state indirectly

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

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

From this reading AN ENCOUNTER Alan, standing in the darkness of the hall, felt in his pocket for his matches and struck one on the box.

a message received and understood

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The light showed the hall in front of him, reaching back into some vague, distant darkness, and great rooms with wide portiered doorways gaping on both sides.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The light showed the hall in front of him, reaching back into some vague, distant darkness, and great rooms with wide portiered doorways gaping on both sides.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

engage in

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

plural of “match” — lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction

From this reading AN ENCOUNTER Alan, standing in the darkness of the hall, felt in his pocket for his matches and struck one on the box.

and nothing more

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

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

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

come into possession of

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AN ENCOUNTER Alan, standing in the darkness of the hall, felt in his pocket for his matches and struck one on the box.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading AN ENCOUNTER Alan, standing in the darkness of the hall, felt in his pocket for his matches and struck one on the box.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading AN ENCOUNTER Alan, standing in the darkness of the hall, felt in his pocket for his matches and struck one on the box.

and nothing more

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading AN ENCOUNTER Alan, standing in the darkness of the hall, felt in his pocket for his matches and struck one on the box.

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

From this reading The light showed the hall in front of him, reaching back into some vague, distant darkness, and great rooms with wide portiered doorways gaping on both sides.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

the act of physically reaching or thrusting out

From this reading The light showed the hall in front of him, reaching back into some vague, distant darkness, and great rooms with wide portiered doorways gaping on both sides.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

precisely, exactly

From this reading He turned into the room upon his right, glanced to see that the shades were drawn on the windows toward the street, then found the switch and turned on the electric light.

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

From this reading He turned into the room upon his right, glanced to see that the shades were drawn on the windows toward the street, then found the switch and turned on the electric light.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading The light showed the hall in front of him, reaching back into some vague, distant darkness, and great rooms with wide portiered doorways gaping on both sides.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading He turned into the room upon his right, glanced to see that the shades were drawn on the windows toward the street, then found the switch and turned on the electric light.

(plural) something that reminds you of someone or something

From this reading He turned into the room upon his right, glanced to see that the shades were drawn on the windows toward the street, then found the switch and turned on the electric light.

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

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

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

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

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

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The light showed the hall in front of him, reaching back into some vague, distant darkness, and great rooms with wide portiered doorways gaping on both sides.

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading The light showed the hall in front of him, reaching back into some vague, distant darkness, and great rooms with wide portiered doorways gaping on both sides.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

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

From this reading The light showed the hall in front of him, reaching back into some vague, distant darkness, and great rooms with wide portiered doorways gaping on both sides.

having a supporting base

From this reading AN ENCOUNTER Alan, standing in the darkness of the hall, felt in his pocket for his matches and struck one on the box.

a message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

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

From this reading He turned into the room upon his right, glanced to see that the shades were drawn on the windows toward the street, then found the switch and turned on the electric light.

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming

From this reading AN ENCOUNTER Alan, standing in the darkness of the hall, felt in his pocket for his matches and struck one on the box.

change over, change around, as to a new order or sequence

From this reading He turned into the room upon his right, glanced to see that the shades were drawn on the windows toward the street, then found the switch and turned on the electric light.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He turned into the room upon his right, glanced to see that the shades were drawn on the windows toward the street, then found the switch and turned on the electric light.

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

From this reading AN ENCOUNTER Alan, standing in the darkness of the hall, felt in his pocket for his matches and struck one on the box.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading He turned into the room upon his right, glanced to see that the shades were drawn on the windows toward the street, then found the switch and turned on the electric light.

in or at that place or location

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

a special situation

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

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

From this reading He turned into the room upon his right, glanced to see that the shades were drawn on the windows toward the street, then found the switch and turned on the electric light.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

in the direction of

From this reading He turned into the room upon his right, glanced to see that the shades were drawn on the windows toward the street, then found the switch and turned on the electric light.

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

moved around an axis or center

From this reading He turned into the room upon his right, glanced to see that the shades were drawn on the windows toward the street, then found the switch and turned on the electric light.

not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading He turned into the room upon his right, glanced to see that the shades were drawn on the windows toward the street, then found the switch and turned on the electric light.

void of intelligence or thought

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

not clearly expressed or understood

From this reading The light showed the hall in front of him, reaching back into some vague, distant darkness, and great rooms with wide portiered doorways gaping on both sides.

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

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

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

From this reading He turned into the room upon his right, glanced to see that the shades were drawn on the windows toward the street, then found the switch and turned on the electric light.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading It was unlikely that a thing so easily concealed as that could be found by him on his first examination of the place; what he had come here for now--he tried to make himself believe--was merely to obtain whatever other information it could give him about his father and the way his father had lived, before Sherrill and he had any other conversation.

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

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading The light showed the hall in front of him, reaching back into some vague, distant darkness, and great rooms with wide portiered doorways gaping on both sides.

(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface

From this reading He turned into the room upon his right, glanced to see that the shades were drawn on the windows toward the street, then found the switch and turned on the electric light.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The light showed the hall in front of him, reaching back into some vague, distant darkness, and great rooms with wide portiered doorways gaping on both sides.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading As he looked around, he fought against his excitement and feeling of expectancy; it was--he told himself--after all, merely a vacant house, though bigger and more expensively furnished than any he ever had been in except the Sherrills; and Sherrill's statement to him had implied that anything there might be in it which could give the reason for his father's disappearance would be probably only a paper, a record of some kind.