used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "We certainly are in the midst of a painful inquiry," replied the headmaster gravely.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
Beverly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading "We certainly are in the midst of a painful inquiry," replied the headmaster gravely.
coldnessnounUS /ˈkoʊldnəs/
the sensation produced by low temperatures
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
(often used in combination) having a specified direction
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
Elgert
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
something that provides access (to get in or get out)
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
divisible by two
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
having unexpected good fortune
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
a long fixed look
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
glancesnounUS /ˈɡlænsɪz/
plural of “glance” — a quick look
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
in a grave and sober manner
From this reading "We certainly are in the midst of a painful inquiry," replied the headmaster gravely.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
headmasternounUS /ˈhedˈmæstər/
presiding officer of a school
From this reading "We certainly are in the midst of a painful inquiry," replied the headmaster gravely.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
restless or short-tempered under delay or opposition
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
inopportuneadjectiveUS /ˌɪnɑːpərˈtuːn/
not opportune
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
inquiringlyadverb
in an inquiring manner
From this reading And he looked round inquiringly.
inquirynounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪriː/
a search for knowledge
From this reading "We certainly are in the midst of a painful inquiry," replied the headmaster gravely.
discontinued temporarily
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
interruptionnounUS /ˌɪntərˈʌpʃən/
an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
a boy or man
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading And he looked round inquiringly.
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
the location of something surrounded by other things
From this reading "We certainly are in the midst of a painful inquiry," replied the headmaster gravely.
a particular point in time
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "If my interruption is untimely I will withdraw."
noblemannounUS /ˈnoʊbəlmən/
a titled peer of the realm
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
inflected form of “nod” — express or signify by nodding
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
causing physical or psychological pain
From this reading "We certainly are in the midst of a painful inquiry," replied the headmaster gravely.
by chance
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
PLOTnounUS /plɑːt/
a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
Ralph
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading "We certainly are in the midst of a painful inquiry," replied the headmaster gravely.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading And he looked round inquiringly.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
surveyedverbUS /sərˈveɪd/
past form of “survey” — consider in a comprehensive way
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
in the direction of
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
a source of difficulty
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
untimelyadjectiveUS /ənˈtaɪmli/
badly timed
From this reading "If my interruption is untimely I will withdraw."
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading "We certainly are in the midst of a painful inquiry," replied the headmaster gravely.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE PLOT THAT FAILED The entrance of Lord Elgert interrupted the serious business being carried on; and somewhat impatient, even if curious, glances were directed towards him as he walked up to Dr. Beverly.
which person or people
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading "If my interruption is untimely I will withdraw."
in the company of; together with
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
withdrawverbUS /wɪðˈdrɔː/
pull back or move away or backward
From this reading "If my interruption is untimely I will withdraw."
but in spite of that
From this reading "I evidently come at an inopportune moment," the nobleman said, as he surveyed the scene before him; "and yet, perhaps, it is a fortunate interruption, if this lad is in trouble, as he seems to be"--and he nodded towards Ralph, who met his gaze with some coldness.
