used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading And now, as the reader will readily understand, I must continue the story as it was afterwards related to me.
experiencing a sudden sense of danger
From this reading When I failed to put in an appearance at breakfast-time, however, even they began to be a trifle alarmed, but they did their best to conceal their fears.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading When I failed to put in an appearance at breakfast-time, however, even they began to be a trifle alarmed, but they did their best to conceal their fears.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading And now, as the reader will readily understand, I must continue the story as it was afterwards related to me.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading When I failed to put in an appearance at breakfast-time, however, even they began to be a trifle alarmed, but they did their best to conceal their fears.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading And now, as the reader will readily understand, I must continue the story as it was afterwards related to me.
make certain of
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading When I failed to put in an appearance at breakfast-time, however, even they began to be a trifle alarmed, but they did their best to conceal their fears.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading When I failed to put in an appearance at breakfast-time, however, even they began to be a trifle alarmed, but they did their best to conceal their fears.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading When I failed to put in an appearance at breakfast-time, however, even they began to be a trifle alarmed, but they did their best to conceal their fears.
breakfast-time
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When I failed to put in an appearance at breakfast-time, however, even they began to be a trifle alarmed, but they did their best to conceal their fears.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Myra, the General, and Dennis sat up and waited for me till the early hours of the morning, but I did not return.
a tight-fitting headdress
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
casuallyadverbUS /ˈkæʒəwəli/
not methodically or according to plan
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
prevent from being seen or discovered
From this reading When I failed to put in an appearance at breakfast-time, however, even they began to be a trifle alarmed, but they did their best to conceal their fears.
continue a certain state, condition, or activity
From this reading And now, as the reader will readily understand, I must continue the story as it was afterwards related to me.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
Dennis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Myra, the General, and Dennis sat up and waited for me till the early hours of the morning, but I did not return.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Myra, the General, and Dennis sat up and waited for me till the early hours of the morning, but I did not return.
disappearancenounUS /ˌdɪsəˈpɪrəns/
the act of leaving secretly or without explanation
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Myra, the General, and Dennis sat up and waited for me till the early hours of the morning, but I did not return.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
divisible by two
From this reading When I failed to put in an appearance at breakfast-time, however, even they began to be a trifle alarmed, but they did their best to conceal their fears.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading When I failed to put in an appearance at breakfast-time, however, even they began to be a trifle alarmed, but they did their best to conceal their fears.
plural of “fear” — an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight)
From this reading SOME GRAVE FEARS.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Myra, the General, and Dennis sat up and waited for me till the early hours of the morning, but I did not return.
set up or found
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading Myra, the General, and Dennis sat up and waited for me till the early hours of the morning, but I did not return.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
death of a person
From this reading SOME GRAVE FEARS.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading Myra, the General, and Dennis sat up and waited for me till the early hours of the morning, but I did not return.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading When I failed to put in an appearance at breakfast-time, however, even they began to be a trifle alarmed, but they did their best to conceal their fears.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading And now, as the reader will readily understand, I must continue the story as it was afterwards related to me.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When I failed to put in an appearance at breakfast-time, however, even they began to be a trifle alarmed, but they did their best to conceal their fears.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading And now, as the reader will readily understand, I must continue the story as it was afterwards related to me.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading And now, as the reader will readily understand, I must continue the story as it was afterwards related to me.
12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Myra, the General, and Dennis sat up and waited for me till the early hours of the morning, but I did not return.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading And now, as the reader will readily understand, I must continue the story as it was afterwards related to me.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
Myra
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Myra, the General, and Dennis sat up and waited for me till the early hours of the morning, but I did not return.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Myra, the General, and Dennis sat up and waited for me till the early hours of the morning, but I did not return.
a brief written record
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading And now, as the reader will readily understand, I must continue the story as it was afterwards related to me.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Myra, the General, and Dennis sat up and waited for me till the early hours of the morning, but I did not return.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
persuadedverbUS /pərˈsweɪdɪd/
past form of “persuade” — win approval or support for
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
prearrangedverbUS /ˌpriːərˈeɪndʒd/
past form of “prearrange” — arrange beforehand
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading And now, as the reader will readily understand, I must continue the story as it was afterwards related to me.
without much difficulty
From this reading And now, as the reader will readily understand, I must continue the story as it was afterwards related to me.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
being connected either logically or causally or by shared characteristics
From this reading And now, as the reader will readily understand, I must continue the story as it was afterwards related to me.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Myra, the General, and Dennis sat up and waited for me till the early hours of the morning, but I did not return.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Myra, the General, and Dennis sat up and waited for me till the early hours of the morning, but I did not return.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading SOME GRAVE FEARS.
in the near future
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading And now, as the reader will readily understand, I must continue the story as it was afterwards related to me.
strollnounUS /stroʊl/
a leisurely walk (usually in some public place)
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
subtlyadverbUS /ˈsʌtəli/
in a subtle manner
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading And now, as the reader will readily understand, I must continue the story as it was afterwards related to me.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading When I failed to put in an appearance at breakfast-time, however, even they began to be a trifle alarmed, but they did their best to conceal their fears.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
up to a particular time
From this reading Myra, the General, and Dennis sat up and waited for me till the early hours of the morning, but I did not return.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading And now, as the reader will readily understand, I must continue the story as it was afterwards related to me.
a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate
From this reading When I failed to put in an appearance at breakfast-time, however, even they began to be a trifle alarmed, but they did their best to conceal their fears.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading And now, as the reader will readily understand, I must continue the story as it was afterwards related to me.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Myra, the General, and Dennis sat up and waited for me till the early hours of the morning, but I did not return.
voluntaryadjectiveUS /ˈvɑːlənteri/
of your own free will or design; done by choice; not forced or compelled
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading Myra, the General, and Dennis sat up and waited for me till the early hours of the morning, but I did not return.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And now, as the reader will readily understand, I must continue the story as it was afterwards related to me.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
at the time that
From this reading When I failed to put in an appearance at breakfast-time, however, even they began to be a trifle alarmed, but they did their best to conceal their fears.
in or at the place that
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
which person or people
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading And now, as the reader will readily understand, I must continue the story as it was afterwards related to me.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading The young people did what they could to assure the old man that my sudden and unexpected disappearance had been entirely voluntary, and Dennis, who had found my note, as soon as he put on his cap to stroll out casually, and see where I had got to, gave him subtly to understand that it was really part of a prearranged plan, and Myra at length persuaded him to go to bed at midnight.
