used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was late in September and somewhat early in the day for actors to be abroad, a circumstance which invites speculation.
to or in a foreign country
From this reading It was late in September and somewhat early in the day for actors to be abroad, a circumstance which invites speculation.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading The younger of the two players was in the act of lighting a cigarette, considerately tendered by the older, when his gaze fell upon the figure of the approaching hero.
actorsnounUS /ˈæktərz/
plural of “actor” — a theatrical performer
From this reading It was late in September and somewhat early in the day for actors to be abroad, a circumstance which invites speculation.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
amiablyadverbUS /ˈeɪmiəbli/
in an affable manner
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was late in September and somewhat early in the day for actors to be abroad, a circumstance which invites speculation.
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading The younger of the two players was in the act of lighting a cigarette, considerately tendered by the older, when his gaze fell upon the figure of the approaching hero.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was late in September and somewhat early in the day for actors to be abroad, a circumstance which invites speculation.
bookingnounUS /ˈbʊkɪŋ/
employment for performers or performing groups that lasts for a limited period of time
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
BroadwaynounUS /ˈbrɔːdweɪ/
a street in Manhattan that passes through Times Square; famous for its theaters
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
cigarettenounUS /ˌsɪɡərˈet/
finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking
From this reading The younger of the two players was in the act of lighting a cigarette, considerately tendered by the older, when his gaze fell upon the figure of the approaching hero.
a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity
From this reading It was late in September and somewhat early in the day for actors to be abroad, a circumstance which invites speculation.
closingnounUS /ˈkloʊzɪŋ/
the act of closing something
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
consideratelyadverb
in a considerate manner
From this reading The younger of the two players was in the act of lighting a cigarette, considerately tendered by the older, when his gaze fell upon the figure of the approaching hero.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
persuaded of; very sure
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading It was late in September and somewhat early in the day for actors to be abroad, a circumstance which invites speculation.
discussingverbUS /dɪˈskʌsɪŋ/
-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
cause to move by pulling
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading It was late in September and somewhat early in the day for actors to be abroad, a circumstance which invites speculation.
the boundary of a surface
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
EmpirenounUS /ˈempaɪər/
the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading The younger of the two players was in the act of lighting a cigarette, considerately tendered by the older, when his gaze fell upon the figure of the approaching hero.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading The younger of the two players was in the act of lighting a cigarette, considerately tendered by the older, when his gaze fell upon the figure of the approaching hero.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was late in September and somewhat early in the day for actors to be abroad, a circumstance which invites speculation.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
a long fixed look
From this reading The younger of the two players was in the act of lighting a cigarette, considerately tendered by the older, when his gaze fell upon the figure of the approaching hero.
habitualadjectiveUS /həˈbɪtʃuːəl/
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading The younger of the two players was in the act of lighting a cigarette, considerately tendered by the older, when his gaze fell upon the figure of the approaching hero.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The younger of the two players was in the act of lighting a cigarette, considerately tendered by the older, when his gaze fell upon the figure of the approaching hero.
humilitynounUS /hjuːˈmɪlɪti/
a disposition to be humble; a lack of false pride
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
invitesnounUS /ˌɪnˈvaɪts/
plural of “invite” — a colloquial expression for invitation
From this reading It was late in September and somewhat early in the day for actors to be abroad, a circumstance which invites speculation.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was late in September and somewhat early in the day for actors to be abroad, a circumstance which invites speculation.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading It was late in September and somewhat early in the day for actors to be abroad, a circumstance which invites speculation.
lightingnounUS /ˈlaɪtɪŋ/
having abundant light or illumination
From this reading The younger of the two players was in the act of lighting a cigarette, considerately tendered by the older, when his gaze fell upon the figure of the approaching hero.
listenernounUS /ˈlɪsənər/
someone who listens attentively
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
loiterers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
strongly marked; easily noticeable
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
the force of workers available
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
very unhappy; full of misery
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
noticesnounUS /ˈnoʊtəsəz/
plural of “notice” — an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
oblivionnounUS /əˈblɪviən/
the state of being disregarded or forgotten
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
olderadjectiveUS /ˈoʊldər/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading The younger of the two players was in the act of lighting a cigarette, considerately tendered by the older, when his gaze fell upon the figure of the approaching hero.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
outeradjectiveUS /ˈaʊtər/
being on the outside or further from a center
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
a human being
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
playersnounUS /ˈpleɪərz/
plural of “player” — a person who participates in or is skilled at some game
From this reading The younger of the two players was in the act of lighting a cigarette, considerately tendered by the older, when his gaze fell upon the figure of the approaching hero.
playsnounUS /pleɪz/
plural of “play” — a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
prematurelyadverbUS /ˌpriːməˈtʃʊrli/
(of childbirth) before the end of the normal period of gestation
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
retrieveverbUS /rɪˈtriːv/
get or find back; recover the use of
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
rolenounUS /roʊl/
the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
SeptembernounUS /sepˈtembər/
the month following August and preceding October
From this reading It was late in September and somewhat early in the day for actors to be abroad, a circumstance which invites speculation.
serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
sidewalknounUS /ˈsaɪdwɔːk/
walk consisting of a paved area for pedestrians; usually beside a street or roadway
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
unusual or striking
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
sinkverbUS /sɪŋk/
fall or descend to a lower place or level
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading It was late in September and somewhat early in the day for actors to be abroad, a circumstance which invites speculation.
express in speech
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
speculationnounUS /ˌspekjəˈleɪʃən/
a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
From this reading It was late in September and somewhat early in the day for actors to be abroad, a circumstance which invites speculation.
having great beauty and splendor
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
having a supporting base
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
tenderedverbUS /ˈtendərd/
past form of “tender” — offer or present for acceptance
From this reading The younger of the two players was in the act of lighting a cigarette, considerately tendered by the older, when his gaze fell upon the figure of the approaching hero.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was late in September and somewhat early in the day for actors to be abroad, a circumstance which invites speculation.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
unnecessaryadjectiveUS /ənˈnesəseri/
not necessary
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The younger of the two players was in the act of lighting a cigarette, considerately tendered by the older, when his gaze fell upon the figure of the approaching hero.
past form of “visit” — go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was late in September and somewhat early in the day for actors to be abroad, a circumstance which invites speculation.
accept gladly
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Two men were standing in front of the Empire Theatre on Broadway, at the outer edge of the sidewalk, amiably discussing themselves in the first person singular.
at the time that
From this reading The younger of the two players was in the act of lighting a cigarette, considerately tendered by the older, when his gaze fell upon the figure of the approaching hero.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was late in September and somewhat early in the day for actors to be abroad, a circumstance which invites speculation.
which person or people
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Attention to their conversation, which was marked by the habitual humility, would have convinced the listener (who is always welcome) that both had enjoyed a successful season on the road, although closing somewhat prematurely on account of miserable booking, and that both had received splendid "notices" in every town visited.
used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father
From this reading The younger of the two players was in the act of lighting a cigarette, considerately tendered by the older, when his gaze fell upon the figure of the approaching hero.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading These two loiterers serve a single purpose in this tale--they draw your attention to the principal character, to the person who plays the title role, so to speak, and then, having done so, sink back into an oblivion from which it is quite unnecessary to retrieve them.
