used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
the state of being absent
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
matters of personal concern
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
agreementnounUS /əˈɡriːmənt/
the statement (oral or written) of an exchange of promises
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
Ah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ah, and I am to provide the red fire?" inquired the lawyer, mildly, in his precise way, "to see to the braying of the trumpets and the clashing of the cymbals?"
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading "Ah, and I am to provide the red fire?" inquired the lawyer, mildly, in his precise way, "to see to the braying of the trumpets and the clashing of the cymbals?"
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
assertionnounUS /əˈsɜːrʃən/
a declaration that is made emphatically (as if no supporting evidence were necessary)
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
assurancenounUS /əˈʃʊrəns/
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
AttorneynounUS /əˈtɜːrni/
a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "There is to be no red fire.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
braying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Ah, and I am to provide the red fire?" inquired the lawyer, mildly, in his precise way, "to see to the braying of the trumpets and the clashing of the cymbals?"
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
clashingadjectiveUS /ˈklæʃɪŋ/
sharply and harshly discordant
From this reading "Ah, and I am to provide the red fire?" inquired the lawyer, mildly, in his precise way, "to see to the braying of the trumpets and the clashing of the cymbals?"
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
considerablyadverbUS /kənˈsɪdərəbli/
to a great extent or degree
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
ConverseverbUS /ˈkɑːnvərs/
carry on a conversation
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
cymbalsnounUS /ˈsɪmbəlz/
plural of “cymbal” — a percussion instrument consisting of a concave brass disk; makes a loud crashing sound when hit with a drumstick or when two are struck together
From this reading "Ah, and I am to provide the red fire?" inquired the lawyer, mildly, in his precise way, "to see to the braying of the trumpets and the clashing of the cymbals?"
determinationnounUS /dɪˌtɜːrməˈneɪʃən/
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
disappearverbUS /ˌdɪsəˈpɪr/
get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
start firing a weapon
From this reading "Ah, and I am to provide the red fire?" inquired the lawyer, mildly, in his precise way, "to see to the braying of the trumpets and the clashing of the cymbals?"
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
destroyed or killed
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "Ah, and I am to provide the red fire?" inquired the lawyer, mildly, in his precise way, "to see to the braying of the trumpets and the clashing of the cymbals?"
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "Ah, and I am to provide the red fire?" inquired the lawyer, mildly, in his precise way, "to see to the braying of the trumpets and the clashing of the cymbals?"
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "Ah, and I am to provide the red fire?" inquired the lawyer, mildly, in his precise way, "to see to the braying of the trumpets and the clashing of the cymbals?"
inconspicuouslyadverb
in a manner intended to avoid attracting attention
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
having much knowledge or education
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from
From this reading "Ah, and I am to provide the red fire?" inquired the lawyer, mildly, in his precise way, "to see to the braying of the trumpets and the clashing of the cymbals?"
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "There is to be no red fire.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
and nothing more
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
latter'snounUS /ˈlætərz/
possessive form of “latter” — the second of two or the second mentioned of two
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
From this reading "Ah, and I am to provide the red fire?" inquired the lawyer, mildly, in his precise way, "to see to the braying of the trumpets and the clashing of the cymbals?"
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
localadjectiveUS /ˈloʊkəl/
relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
mildlyadverbUS /ˈmaɪldli/
to a moderate degree
From this reading "Ah, and I am to provide the red fire?" inquired the lawyer, mildly, in his precise way, "to see to the braying of the trumpets and the clashing of the cymbals?"
Mountjoy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
a form of address for a man
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
mystifiedadjectiveUS /ˈmɪstəfaɪd/
totally perplexed and mixed up
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
not any; not one
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
an open or empty space in or between things
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
preciseadjectiveUS /prɪˈsaɪs/
sharply exact or accurate or delimited
From this reading "Ah, and I am to provide the red fire?" inquired the lawyer, mildly, in his precise way, "to see to the braying of the trumpets and the clashing of the cymbals?"
provideverbUS /prəˈvaɪd/
give something useful or necessary to
From this reading "Ah, and I am to provide the red fire?" inquired the lawyer, mildly, in his precise way, "to see to the braying of the trumpets and the clashing of the cymbals?"
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading "Ah, and I am to provide the red fire?" inquired the lawyer, mildly, in his precise way, "to see to the braying of the trumpets and the clashing of the cymbals?"
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading "Ah, and I am to provide the red fire?" inquired the lawyer, mildly, in his precise way, "to see to the braying of the trumpets and the clashing of the cymbals?"
being or feeling set or kept apart from others
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
in or at that place or location
From this reading "There is to be no red fire.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
trumpetsnounUS /ˈtrʌmpəts/
pitcher plant of southeastern United States having erect yellow trumpet-shaped pitchers with wide mouths and erect lids
From this reading "Ah, and I am to provide the red fire?" inquired the lawyer, mildly, in his precise way, "to see to the braying of the trumpets and the clashing of the cymbals?"
unnotedadjective
not taken into account
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
vanishverbUS /ˈvænɪʃ/
get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading "Ah, and I am to provide the red fire?" inquired the lawyer, mildly, in his precise way, "to see to the braying of the trumpets and the clashing of the cymbals?"
structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired
From this reading OPENING WAYS Before Converse and the District Attorney separated that night they had come to an agreement that considerably mystified Mr. Mountjoy.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
hope for; have a wish
From this reading I wish to vanish as inconspicuously as possible, my absence to remain unnoted; but while I am gone I should like to feel sure that matters here will remain just as they are."
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It was no less than the assertion of a determination by the former to disappear for a time, and an assurance by the District Attorney that he would keep the Captain informed about affairs local during the latter's absence.
