used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Now Ford's attitude toward his opponents was, by reason of his gifts, openly belligerent; wherefore he fought against it and tried to be as other men are.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Now Ford's attitude toward his opponents was, by reason of his gifts, openly belligerent; wherefore he fought against it and tried to be as other men are.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He left me to explain, and I've been wondering if you'd let me take his place as your host, Mr. Ford."
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways
From this reading Now Ford's attitude toward his opponents was, by reason of his gifts, openly belligerent; wherefore he fought against it and tried to be as other men are.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Now Ford's attitude toward his opponents was, by reason of his gifts, openly belligerent; wherefore he fought against it and tried to be as other men are.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He left me to explain, and I've been wondering if you'd let me take his place as your host, Mr. Ford."
belligerentadjectiveUS /bəˈlɪdʒərənt/
characteristic of an enemy or one eager to fight
From this reading Now Ford's attitude toward his opponents was, by reason of his gifts, openly belligerent; wherefore he fought against it and tried to be as other men are.
blocksnounUS /blɑːks/
plural of “block” — a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
an orange of low brightness and saturation
From this reading "He tried to telephone you at the Brown, but the operator couldn't find you.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "He tried to telephone you at the Brown, but the operator couldn't find you.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Now Ford's attitude toward his opponents was, by reason of his gifts, openly belligerent; wherefore he fought against it and tried to be as other men are.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading "Mr. North was called out of town quite unexpectedly on a wire," was the private secretary's explanation.
not open or affording passage or access
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
couldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "He tried to telephone you at the Brown, but the operator couldn't find you.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
excusesnounUS /ɪksˈkjuːsɪz/
plural of “excuse” — a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
make plain and comprehensible
From this reading He left me to explain, and I've been wondering if you'd let me take his place as your host, Mr. Ford."
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading "Mr. North was called out of town quite unexpectedly on a wire," was the private secretary's explanation.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading "He tried to telephone you at the Brown, but the operator couldn't find you.
FordnounUS /fɔːrd/
United States film maker (1896-1973)
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
Ford'snounUS /fɔːrdz/
possessive form of “ford” — United States film maker (1896-1973)
From this reading Now Ford's attitude toward his opponents was, by reason of his gifts, openly belligerent; wherefore he fought against it and tried to be as other men are.
of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
inflected form of “fight” — be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading Now Ford's attitude toward his opponents was, by reason of his gifts, openly belligerent; wherefore he fought against it and tried to be as other men are.
set up or found
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
plural of “gift” — something acquired without compensation
From this reading Now Ford's attitude toward his opponents was, by reason of his gifts, openly belligerent; wherefore he fought against it and tried to be as other men are.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "He tried to telephone you at the Brown, but the operator couldn't find you.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
From this reading He left me to explain, and I've been wondering if you'd let me take his place as your host, Mr. Ford."
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
I've
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He left me to explain, and I've been wondering if you'd let me take his place as your host, Mr. Ford."
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading He left me to explain, and I've been wondering if you'd let me take his place as your host, Mr. Ford."
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Now Ford's attitude toward his opponents was, by reason of his gifts, openly belligerent; wherefore he fought against it and tried to be as other men are.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading He left me to explain, and I've been wondering if you'd let me take his place as your host, Mr. Ford."
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading He left me to explain, and I've been wondering if you'd let me take his place as your host, Mr. Ford."
engage in
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
manager'snounUS /ˈmænɪdʒərz/
possessive form of “manager” — someone who controls resources and expenditures
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He left me to explain, and I've been wondering if you'd let me take his place as your host, Mr. Ford."
the force of workers available
From this reading Now Ford's attitude toward his opponents was, by reason of his gifts, openly belligerent; wherefore he fought against it and tried to be as other men are.
a form of address for a man
From this reading "Mr. North was called out of town quite unexpectedly on a wire," was the private secretary's explanation.
the middle of the day
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now Ford's attitude toward his opponents was, by reason of his gifts, openly belligerent; wherefore he fought against it and tried to be as other men are.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "Mr. North was called out of town quite unexpectedly on a wire," was the private secretary's explanation.
openlyadverbUS /ˈoʊpənli/
in an open way
From this reading Now Ford's attitude toward his opponents was, by reason of his gifts, openly belligerent; wherefore he fought against it and tried to be as other men are.
operatornounUS /ˈɑːpəreɪtər/
(mathematics) a symbol or function representing a mathematical operation
From this reading "He tried to telephone you at the Brown, but the operator couldn't find you.
opponentsnounUS /əˈpoʊnənts/
plural of “opponent” — a contestant that you are matched against
From this reading Now Ford's attitude toward his opponents was, by reason of his gifts, openly belligerent; wherefore he fought against it and tried to be as other men are.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Now Ford's attitude toward his opponents was, by reason of his gifts, openly belligerent; wherefore he fought against it and tried to be as other men are.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading "Mr. North was called out of town quite unexpectedly on a wire," was the private secretary's explanation.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading He left me to explain, and I've been wondering if you'd let me take his place as your host, Mr. Ford."
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading "Mr. North was called out of town quite unexpectedly on a wire," was the private secretary's explanation.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading Now Ford's attitude toward his opponents was, by reason of his gifts, openly belligerent; wherefore he fought against it and tried to be as other men are.
secretary'snounUS /ˈsekrəteriz/
possessive form of “secretary” — a person who is head of an administrative department of government
From this reading "Mr. North was called out of town quite unexpectedly on a wire," was the private secretary's explanation.
soft-spokenadjective
having a speaking manner that is not loud or harsh
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
suaveadjectiveUS /swɑːv/
having a sophisticated charm
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
superior'snounUS /suːˈpiːriərz/
possessive form of “superior” — one of greater rank or station or quality
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
carry out
From this reading He left me to explain, and I've been wondering if you'd let me take his place as your host, Mr. Ford."
telephonenounUS /ˈteləfoʊn/
electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds
From this reading "He tried to telephone you at the Brown, but the operator couldn't find you.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading Now Ford's attitude toward his opponents was, by reason of his gifts, openly belligerent; wherefore he fought against it and tried to be as other men are.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading "Mr. North was called out of town quite unexpectedly on a wire," was the private secretary's explanation.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading "He tried to telephone you at the Brown, but the operator couldn't find you.
unexpectedlyadverbUS /ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪdli/
in a way that was not expected
From this reading "Mr. North was called out of town quite unexpectedly on a wire," was the private secretary's explanation.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
close enough to be walked to
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
whereforeadverbUS /werˈfɔːr/
an old word meaning “why” or “for that reason”
From this reading Now Ford's attitude toward his opponents was, by reason of his gifts, openly belligerent; wherefore he fought against it and tried to be as other men are.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
wirenounUS /ˈwaɪər/
ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
From this reading "Mr. North was called out of town quite unexpectedly on a wire," was the private secretary's explanation.
in the company of; together with
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
showing curiosity
From this reading He left me to explain, and I've been wondering if you'd let me take his place as your host, Mr. Ford."
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "He tried to telephone you at the Brown, but the operator couldn't find you.
you'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He left me to explain, and I've been wondering if you'd let me take his place as your host, Mr. Ford."
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading This was why Ford, walking the few blocks from his hotel at noon to keep his engagement with North, found the general manager's private office closed, and a suave, soft-spoken young man with a foreign east of countenance waiting to make his superior's excuses.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading He left me to explain, and I've been wondering if you'd let me take his place as your host, Mr. Ford."
