used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Meanwhile there were a few further inexplicable happenings in the old house.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
acidadjectiveUS /ˈæsəd/
harsh or corrosive in tone
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
(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 But, usually, these were the experiences of only one, and lacking corroboration, could be set down to imagination, which was now especially vivid in all the party.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But the days passed by, and Dan Peterson was unable to make good his word.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
AspensnounUS /ˈæspənz/
plural of “aspen” — any of several trees of the genus Populus having leaves on flattened stalks so that they flutter in the lightest wind
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading But, usually, these were the experiences of only one, and lacking corroboration, could be set down to imagination, which was now especially vivid in all the party.
beingsnounUS /ˈbiːɪŋz/
plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But the days passed by, and Dan Peterson was unable to make good his word.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But the days passed by, and Dan Peterson was unable to make good his word.
deem to be
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
corroborationnounUS /kərˌɔːbərˈeɪʃən/
confirmation that some fact or statement is true through the use of documentary evidence
From this reading But, usually, these were the experiences of only one, and lacking corroboration, could be set down to imagination, which was now especially vivid in all the party.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading But, usually, these were the experiences of only one, and lacking corroboration, could be set down to imagination, which was now especially vivid in all the party.
Dan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the days passed by, and Dan Peterson was unable to make good his word.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading But the days passed by, and Dan Peterson was unable to make good his word.
deathsnounUS /deθs/
plural of “death” — the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading But, usually, these were the experiences of only one, and lacking corroboration, could be set down to imagination, which was now especially vivid in all the party.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading But, usually, these were the experiences of only one, and lacking corroboration, could be set down to imagination, which was now especially vivid in all the party.
every person
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
experiencesnounUS /ɪkˈspɪriənsɪz/
plural of “experience” — the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities
From this reading But, usually, these were the experiences of only one, and lacking corroboration, could be set down to imagination, which was now especially vivid in all the party.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Meanwhile there were a few further inexplicable happenings in the old house.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading Meanwhile there were a few further inexplicable happenings in the old house.
ghostlyadjectiveUS /ˈɡoʊstli/
resembling or characteristic of a phantom
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
a quick look
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading But the days passed by, and Dan Peterson was unable to make good his word.
happeningsnounUS /ˈhæpənɪŋz/
plural of “happening” — an event that happens
From this reading Meanwhile there were a few further inexplicable happenings in the old house.
(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading But the days passed by, and Dan Peterson was unable to make good his word.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Meanwhile there were a few further inexplicable happenings in the old house.
a social unit living together
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses
From this reading But, usually, these were the experiences of only one, and lacking corroboration, could be set down to imagination, which was now especially vivid in all the party.
of the present time and place
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
inexplicableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnəkˈsplɪsəbəl/
incapable of being explained or accounted for
From this reading Meanwhile there were a few further inexplicable happenings in the old house.
intentnounUS /ˌɪnˈtent/
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
lackingadjectiveUS /ˈlækɪŋ/
inadequate in amount or degree
From this reading But, usually, these were the experiences of only one, and lacking corroboration, could be set down to imagination, which was now especially vivid in all the party.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
engage in
From this reading But the days passed by, and Dan Peterson was unable to make good his word.
at the same time but in another place
From this reading Meanwhile there were a few further inexplicable happenings in the old house.
moansnounUS /moʊnz/
plural of “moan” — an utterance expressing pain or disapproval
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
murderousadjectiveUS /ˈmɜːrdərəs/
characteristic of or capable of or having a tendency toward killing another human being
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
of an obscure nature
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
a message that seems to convey no meaning
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
odournounUS /ˈoʊdər/
the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Meanwhile there were a few further inexplicable happenings in the old house.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
and nothing more
From this reading But, usually, these were the experiences of only one, and lacking corroboration, could be set down to imagination, which was now especially vivid in all the party.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading But, usually, these were the experiences of only one, and lacking corroboration, could be set down to imagination, which was now especially vivid in all the party.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading But the days passed by, and Dan Peterson was unable to make good his word.
Peterson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the days passed by, and Dan Peterson was unable to make good his word.
prowlingverbUS /ˈpraʊlɪŋ/
-ing form of “prowl” — move about in or as if in a predatory manner
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
prussic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
relativesnounUS /ˈrelətɪvz/
plural of “relative” — a person related by blood or marriage
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
to give an account or representation of in words
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading But, usually, these were the experiences of only one, and lacking corroboration, could be set down to imagination, which was now especially vivid in all the party.
spooknounUS /spuːk/
someone unpleasantly strange or eccentric
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
express in words
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading But the days passed by, and Dan Peterson was unable to make good his word.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Meanwhile there were a few further inexplicable happenings in the old house.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading But, usually, these were the experiences of only one, and lacking corroboration, could be set down to imagination, which was now especially vivid in all the party.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But the days passed by, and Dan Peterson was unable to make good his word.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading But the days passed by, and Dan Peterson was unable to make good his word.
under normal conditions
From this reading But, usually, these were the experiences of only one, and lacking corroboration, could be set down to imagination, which was now especially vivid in all the party.
victimsnounUS /ˈvɪktəmz/
plural of “victim” — an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
vividadjectiveUS /ˈvɪvəd/
evoking lifelike images within the mind
From this reading But, usually, these were the experiences of only one, and lacking corroboration, could be set down to imagination, which was now especially vivid in all the party.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But the days passed by, and Dan Peterson was unable to make good his word.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Everybody, outside of the immediate household at Black Aspens believed the two mysterious deaths were the result of the murderous intent of one or more human beings, and refused absolutely to consider the spook nonsense offered in explanation by the friends and relatives of the victims.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But, usually, these were the experiences of only one, and lacking corroboration, could be set down to imagination, which was now especially vivid in all the party.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading But the days passed by, and Dan Peterson was unable to make good his word.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Now and then, one or another would notice the odour of prussic acid, or would report a glimpse of a ghostly figure prowling round at night, or tell of hearing low moans at four o'clock in the morning.
