used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
accusationnounUS /ˌækjəˈzeɪʃən/
a formal charge of wrongdoing brought against a person; the act of imputing blame or guilt
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
be able to spare or give up
From this reading Haste was recommended, evidently to prevent such explanations and inquiries into my conduct as more time might afford.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
(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 When night came, and all was silent in the prison, I sat down to write my letter to the minister.
allegedadjectiveUS /əˈledʒd/
declared but not proved
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When night came, and all was silent in the prison, I sat down to write my letter to the minister.
anticipateverbUS /ænˈtɪsəpeɪt/
regard something as probable or likely
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading Such were the instructions of my unknown friend, and as I proceeded to follow them, their meaning at once became apparent to me.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading My appearance at the château might still be a mystery to them, and one which might remain unfathomable if any plausible reason were put forward.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Such were the instructions of my unknown friend, and as I proceeded to follow them, their meaning at once became apparent to me.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Such were the instructions of my unknown friend, and as I proceeded to follow them, their meaning at once became apparent to me.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading Such were the instructions of my unknown friend, and as I proceeded to follow them, their meaning at once became apparent to me.
brevitynounUS /ˈbrevəti/
the use of brief expressions
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading When night came, and all was silent in the prison, I sat down to write my letter to the minister.
chargesnounUS /ˈtʃɑːrdʒəz/
plural of “charge” — an impetuous rush toward someone or something
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
châteaunounUS /ʃæˈtoʊ/
A large French country house or castle, often surrounded by expansive estates and private galleries.
From this reading My appearance at the château might still be a mystery to them, and one which might remain unfathomable if any plausible reason were put forward.
direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
defencenounUS /dɪˈfens/
(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading When night came, and all was silent in the prison, I sat down to write my letter to the minister.
earliestadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrliəst/
(comparative and superlative of “early”) more early than; most early
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading Haste was recommended, evidently to prevent such explanations and inquiries into my conduct as more time might afford.
explanationsnounUS /ˌekspləˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “explanation” — a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading Haste was recommended, evidently to prevent such explanations and inquiries into my conduct as more time might afford.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Such were the instructions of my unknown friend, and as I proceeded to follow them, their meaning at once became apparent to me.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading My appearance at the château might still be a mystery to them, and one which might remain unfathomable if any plausible reason were put forward.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Such were the instructions of my unknown friend, and as I proceeded to follow them, their meaning at once became apparent to me.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
overly eager speed (and possible carelessness)
From this reading Haste was recommended, evidently to prevent such explanations and inquiries into my conduct as more time might afford.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading When night came, and all was silent in the prison, I sat down to write my letter to the minister.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading My appearance at the château might still be a mystery to them, and one which might remain unfathomable if any plausible reason were put forward.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When night came, and all was silent in the prison, I sat down to write my letter to the minister.
inquiriesnounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪəriz/
plural of “inquiry” — a search for knowledge
From this reading Haste was recommended, evidently to prevent such explanations and inquiries into my conduct as more time might afford.
instructionsnounUS /ˌɪnˈstrʌkʃənz/
a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it
From this reading Such were the instructions of my unknown friend, and as I proceeded to follow them, their meaning at once became apparent to me.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
investigationnounUS /ˌɪnvestəˈɡeɪʃən/
an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading When night came, and all was silent in the prison, I sat down to write my letter to the minister.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading Such were the instructions of my unknown friend, and as I proceeded to follow them, their meaning at once became apparent to me.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Haste was recommended, evidently to prevent such explanations and inquiries into my conduct as more time might afford.
a person authorized to conduct religious worship
From this reading When night came, and all was silent in the prison, I sat down to write my letter to the minister.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Haste was recommended, evidently to prevent such explanations and inquiries into my conduct as more time might afford.
used to form the superlative
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
motivesnounUS /ˈmoʊtɪvz/
plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading When night came, and all was silent in the prison, I sat down to write my letter to the minister.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading My appearance at the château might still be a mystery to them, and one which might remain unfathomable if any plausible reason were put forward.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading When night came, and all was silent in the prison, I sat down to write my letter to the minister.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
on one occasion
From this reading Such were the instructions of my unknown friend, and as I proceeded to follow them, their meaning at once became apparent to me.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading My appearance at the château might still be a mystery to them, and one which might remain unfathomable if any plausible reason were put forward.
plausibleadjectiveUS /ˈplɔːzəbəl/
apparently reasonable and credible, and therefore convincing
From this reading My appearance at the château might still be a mystery to them, and one which might remain unfathomable if any plausible reason were put forward.
past form of “pray” — address a deity, a prophet, a saint or an object of worship; say a prayer
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading Haste was recommended, evidently to prevent such explanations and inquiries into my conduct as more time might afford.
a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment
From this reading When night came, and all was silent in the prison, I sat down to write my letter to the minister.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading Such were the instructions of my unknown friend, and as I proceeded to follow them, their meaning at once became apparent to me.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading My appearance at the château might still be a mystery to them, and one which might remain unfathomable if any plausible reason were put forward.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading My appearance at the château might still be a mystery to them, and one which might remain unfathomable if any plausible reason were put forward.
recommendedverbUS /ˌrekəˈmendɪd/
past form of “recommend” — push for something
From this reading Haste was recommended, evidently to prevent such explanations and inquiries into my conduct as more time might afford.
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading My appearance at the château might still be a mystery to them, and one which might remain unfathomable if any plausible reason were put forward.
requisitenounUS /ˈrekwəzət/
anything indispensable
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
respectfullyadverbUS /rɪˈspektfəli/
in a respectful manner
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading When night came, and all was silent in the prison, I sat down to write my letter to the minister.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading When night came, and all was silent in the prison, I sat down to write my letter to the minister.
and nothing more
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
speedyadjectiveUS /ˈspiːdiː/
characterized by speed; moving with or capable of moving with high speed
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
not in physical motion
From this reading My appearance at the château might still be a mystery to them, and one which might remain unfathomable if any plausible reason were put forward.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When night came, and all was silent in the prison, I sat down to write my letter to the minister.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Such were the instructions of my unknown friend, and as I proceeded to follow them, their meaning at once became apparent to me.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Such were the instructions of my unknown friend, and as I proceeded to follow them, their meaning at once became apparent to me.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Haste was recommended, evidently to prevent such explanations and inquiries into my conduct as more time might afford.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When night came, and all was silent in the prison, I sat down to write my letter to the minister.
unfathomableadjectiveUS /ənˈfæðəməbəl/
of depth; not capable of being sounded or measured
From this reading My appearance at the château might still be a mystery to them, and one which might remain unfathomable if any plausible reason were put forward.
not known
From this reading Such were the instructions of my unknown friend, and as I proceeded to follow them, their meaning at once became apparent to me.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When night came, and all was silent in the prison, I sat down to write my letter to the minister.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Such were the instructions of my unknown friend, and as I proceeded to follow them, their meaning at once became apparent to me.
at the time that
From this reading When night came, and all was silent in the prison, I sat down to write my letter to the minister.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading My appearance at the château might still be a mystery to them, and one which might remain unfathomable if any plausible reason were put forward.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading I knew enough of such matters to be aware that brevity is the great requisite; and therefore, without any attempt to anticipate my accusation by a defence of my motives, I simply but respectfully demanded the charges alleged against me, and prayed for the earliest and most speedy investigation into my conduct.
produce a literary work
From this reading When night came, and all was silent in the prison, I sat down to write my letter to the minister.
