used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
the performance of a part or role in a drama
From this reading Acting upon Alan's suggestion--he refuses to issue an order--Mrs. French has bidden the servants throw open the closed drawing-rooms, and give to the house a more cheerful aspect.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
Alan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is unusual stir and life in the Warburton Mansion, for Alan Warburton has returned, as suddenly and strangely as he went away.
Alan's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Acting upon Alan's suggestion--he refuses to issue an order--Mrs. French has bidden the servants throw open the closed drawing-rooms, and give to the house a more cheerful aspect.
(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 He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Acting upon Alan's suggestion--he refuses to issue an order--Mrs. French has bidden the servants throw open the closed drawing-rooms, and give to the house a more cheerful aspect.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There is unusual stir and life in the Warburton Mansion, for Alan Warburton has returned, as suddenly and strangely as he went away.
another's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading There is unusual stir and life in the Warburton Mansion, for Alan Warburton has returned, as suddenly and strangely as he went away.
a distinct feature or element in a problem
From this reading Acting upon Alan's suggestion--he refuses to issue an order--Mrs. French has bidden the servants throw open the closed drawing-rooms, and give to the house a more cheerful aspect.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT WARBURTON PLACE.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading There is unusual stir and life in the Warburton Mansion, for Alan Warburton has returned, as suddenly and strangely as he went away.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
biddenverbUS /ˈbɪdɪn/
inflected form of “bid” — propose a payment
From this reading Acting upon Alan's suggestion--he refuses to issue an order--Mrs. French has bidden the servants throw open the closed drawing-rooms, and give to the house a more cheerful aspect.
being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits
From this reading Acting upon Alan's suggestion--he refuses to issue an order--Mrs. French has bidden the servants throw open the closed drawing-rooms, and give to the house a more cheerful aspect.
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading Acting upon Alan's suggestion--he refuses to issue an order--Mrs. French has bidden the servants throw open the closed drawing-rooms, and give to the house a more cheerful aspect.
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
concernsnounUS /kənˈsɜːrnz/
plural of “concern” — something that interests you because it is important or affects you
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
consultationnounUS /ˌkɑːnsəlˈteɪʃən/
a conference (usually with someone important)
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
true confidential information
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
drawing-rooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Acting upon Alan's suggestion--he refuses to issue an order--Mrs. French has bidden the servants throw open the closed drawing-rooms, and give to the house a more cheerful aspect.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
at any time
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
explanationsnounUS /ˌekspləˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “explanation” — a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading There is unusual stir and life in the Warburton Mansion, for Alan Warburton has returned, as suddenly and strangely as he went away.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Acting upon Alan's suggestion--he refuses to issue an order--Mrs. French has bidden the servants throw open the closed drawing-rooms, and give to the house a more cheerful aspect.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT WARBURTON PLACE.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There is unusual stir and life in the Warburton Mansion, for Alan Warburton has returned, as suddenly and strangely as he went away.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There is unusual stir and life in the Warburton Mansion, for Alan Warburton has returned, as suddenly and strangely as he went away.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Acting upon Alan's suggestion--he refuses to issue an order--Mrs. French has bidden the servants throw open the closed drawing-rooms, and give to the house a more cheerful aspect.
ignoredadjectiveUS /ˌɪɡˈnɔːrd/
disregarded
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There is unusual stir and life in the Warburton Mansion, for Alan Warburton has returned, as suddenly and strangely as he went away.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There is unusual stir and life in the Warburton Mansion, for Alan Warburton has returned, as suddenly and strangely as he went away.
issueverbUS /ˈɪʃuː/
prepare and issue for public distribution or sale
From this reading Acting upon Alan's suggestion--he refuses to issue an order--Mrs. French has bidden the servants throw open the closed drawing-rooms, and give to the house a more cheerful aspect.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
Leslie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading There is unusual stir and life in the Warburton Mansion, for Alan Warburton has returned, as suddenly and strangely as he went away.
the act of hearing attentively
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
MansionnounUS /ˈmænʃən/
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading There is unusual stir and life in the Warburton Mansion, for Alan Warburton has returned, as suddenly and strangely as he went away.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
mystifiedadjectiveUS /ˈmɪstəfaɪd/
totally perplexed and mixed up
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Acting upon Alan's suggestion--he refuses to issue an order--Mrs. French has bidden the servants throw open the closed drawing-rooms, and give to the house a more cheerful aspect.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Acting upon Alan's suggestion--he refuses to issue an order--Mrs. French has bidden the servants throw open the closed drawing-rooms, and give to the house a more cheerful aspect.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT WARBURTON PLACE.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
on the contrary
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
refusesnounUS /rəˈfjuːzəz/
plural of “refuse” — food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)
From this reading Acting upon Alan's suggestion--he refuses to issue an order--Mrs. French has bidden the servants throw open the closed drawing-rooms, and give to the house a more cheerful aspect.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading There is unusual stir and life in the Warburton Mansion, for Alan Warburton has returned, as suddenly and strangely as he went away.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading Acting upon Alan's suggestion--he refuses to issue an order--Mrs. French has bidden the servants throw open the closed drawing-rooms, and give to the house a more cheerful aspect.
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
sitting-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
move an implement through
From this reading There is unusual stir and life in the Warburton Mansion, for Alan Warburton has returned, as suddenly and strangely as he went away.
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 After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
in a strange manner
From this reading There is unusual stir and life in the Warburton Mansion, for Alan Warburton has returned, as suddenly and strangely as he went away.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading There is unusual stir and life in the Warburton Mansion, for Alan Warburton has returned, as suddenly and strangely as he went away.
an idea that is suggested
From this reading Acting upon Alan's suggestion--he refuses to issue an order--Mrs. French has bidden the servants throw open the closed drawing-rooms, and give to the house a more cheerful aspect.
surroundsnounUS /sərˈaʊndz/
plural of “surround” — the area in which something exists or lives
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
express in words
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading There is unusual stir and life in the Warburton Mansion, for Alan Warburton has returned, as suddenly and strangely as he went away.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There is unusual stir and life in the Warburton Mansion, for Alan Warburton has returned, as suddenly and strangely as he went away.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading After listening to the little that Alan has to tell--of course that part of his story which concerns Leslie is entirely ignored, as being another's secret rather than his--Mrs. French and Winnie are more than ever mystified, and they hold a long consultation in their private sitting-room.
propel through the air
From this reading Acting upon Alan's suggestion--he refuses to issue an order--Mrs. French has bidden the servants throw open the closed drawing-rooms, and give to the house a more cheerful aspect.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading There is unusual stir and life in the Warburton Mansion, for Alan Warburton has returned, as suddenly and strangely as he went away.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Acting upon Alan's suggestion--he refuses to issue an order--Mrs. French has bidden the servants throw open the closed drawing-rooms, and give to the house a more cheerful aspect.
WARBURTON
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT WARBURTON PLACE.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading There is unusual stir and life in the Warburton Mansion, for Alan Warburton has returned, as suddenly and strangely as he went away.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT WARBURTON PLACE.
at the time that
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
Winnie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He has made Mrs. French and Winnie such explanations as he could, and has promised them one more full and complete when he shall be able, himself, to understand, in all its details, the mystery which surrounds him.
