used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
actionsnounUS /ˈækʃənz/
plural of “action” — something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
matters of personal concern
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
(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 The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The latest tragedy, however, could not be squared with any of his preconceived ideas.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
From this reading The Dart The period immediately following the attack upon Sylvia was one of intense inquietude in Wendover’s mind.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
any cognitive content held as true
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading What possible relationship could exist between Hackleton and Sylvia which would make her removal essential to the financier?
bordersnounUS /ˈbɔːrdərz/
plural of “border” — a line that indicates a boundary
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
an occurrence of something
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The latest tragedy, however, could not be squared with any of his preconceived ideas.
DartverbUS /dɑːrt/
move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
From this reading The Dart The period immediately following the attack upon Sylvia was one of intense inquietude in Wendover’s mind.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
Ernest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
essentialadjectiveUS /eˈsenʃəl/
absolutely necessary; vitally necessary
From this reading What possible relationship could exist between Hackleton and Sylvia which would make her removal essential to the financier?
eventuallyadverbUS /ɪˈventʃəwəli/
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
existverbUS /ɪɡˈzɪst/
have an existence, be extant
From this reading What possible relationship could exist between Hackleton and Sylvia which would make her removal essential to the financier?
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
financiernounUS /ˌfɪnənˈsɪr/
a person skilled in large scale financial transactions
From this reading What possible relationship could exist between Hackleton and Sylvia which would make her removal essential to the financier?
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading The Dart The period immediately following the attack upon Sylvia was one of intense inquietude in Wendover’s mind.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
Hackleton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading What possible relationship could exist between Hackleton and Sylvia which would make her removal essential to the financier?
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The latest tragedy, however, could not be squared with any of his preconceived ideas.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading The latest tragedy, however, could not be squared with any of his preconceived ideas.
plural of “idea” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading The latest tragedy, however, could not be squared with any of his preconceived ideas.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading The Dart The period immediately following the attack upon Sylvia was one of intense inquietude in Wendover’s mind.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The Dart The period immediately following the attack upon Sylvia was one of intense inquietude in Wendover’s mind.
incidentsnounUS /ˈɪnsədənts/
plural of “incident” — a single distinct event
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
inquietudenoun
feelings of anxiety that make you tense and irritable
From this reading The Dart The period immediately following the attack upon Sylvia was one of intense inquietude in Wendover’s mind.
possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree
From this reading The Dart The period immediately following the attack upon Sylvia was one of intense inquietude in Wendover’s mind.
irrationaladjectiveUS /ˌɪˈræʃənəl/
not consistent with or using reason
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
latestadjectiveUS /ˈleɪtəst/
up to the immediate present; most recent or most up-to-date
From this reading The latest tragedy, however, could not be squared with any of his preconceived ideas.
take somebody somewhere
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
linkedadjectiveUS /lɪŋkt/
connected by a link, as railway cars or trailer trucks
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
engage in
From this reading What possible relationship could exist between Hackleton and Sylvia which would make her removal essential to the financier?
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading The Dart The period immediately following the attack upon Sylvia was one of intense inquietude in Wendover’s mind.
motivesnounUS /ˈmoʊtɪvz/
plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
normaladjectiveUS /ˈnɔːrməl/
conforming with or constituting a norm or standard or level or type or social norm; not abnormal
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The latest tragedy, however, could not be squared with any of his preconceived ideas.
nursedadjectiveUS /nɜːrst/
(of an infant) breast-fed
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
obscureverbUS /əbsˈkjʊr/
make less visible or unclear
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Dart The period immediately following the attack upon Sylvia was one of intense inquietude in Wendover’s mind.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The Dart The period immediately following the attack upon Sylvia was one of intense inquietude in Wendover’s mind.
an amount of time
From this reading The Dart The period immediately following the attack upon Sylvia was one of intense inquietude in Wendover’s mind.
persuadedverbUS /pərˈsweɪdɪd/
past form of “persuade” — win approval or support for
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading What possible relationship could exist between Hackleton and Sylvia which would make her removal essential to the financier?
preconceivedadjectiveUS /ˌpriːkənˈsiːvd/
(of an idea or opinion) formed beforehand; especially without evidence or through prejudice
From this reading The latest tragedy, however, could not be squared with any of his preconceived ideas.
be shown or be found to be
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
relationshipnounUS /riˈleɪʃənʃɪp/
a relation between people; (“relationship” is often used where “relation” would serve, as in `the relationship between inflation and unemployment', but the preferred usage of “relationship” is for human relations or states of relatedness)
From this reading What possible relationship could exist between Hackleton and Sylvia which would make her removal essential to the financier?
removalnounUS /rɪˈmuːvəl/
the act of removing
From this reading What possible relationship could exist between Hackleton and Sylvia which would make her removal essential to the financier?
saneadjectiveUS /seɪn/
mentally healthy; free from mental disorder
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
sequencesnounUS /ˈsiːkwənsəz/
plural of “sequence” — serial arrangement in which things follow in logical order or a recurrent pattern
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
Shandon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
squaredadjectiveUS /skwerd/
having been made square
From this reading The latest tragedy, however, could not be squared with any of his preconceived ideas.
Sylvia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Dart The period immediately following the attack upon Sylvia was one of intense inquietude in Wendover’s mind.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Dart The period immediately following the attack upon Sylvia was one of intense inquietude in Wendover’s mind.
threadsnounUS /θredz/
informal terms for clothing
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
From this reading The latest tragedy, however, could not be squared with any of his preconceived ideas.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The Dart The period immediately following the attack upon Sylvia was one of intense inquietude in Wendover’s mind.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Dart The period immediately following the attack upon Sylvia was one of intense inquietude in Wendover’s mind.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
Wendover
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
Wendover's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Dart The period immediately following the attack upon Sylvia was one of intense inquietude in Wendover’s mind.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What possible relationship could exist between Hackleton and Sylvia which would make her removal essential to the financier?
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
Whistlefield
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading The connection of some of the incidents—the attack on Ernest Shandon, for one—had certainly been obscure; but Wendover had nursed an irrational belief that in the end all the threads would lead back to Hackleton, and that the whole mystery would find a simple explanation which would bring it within the borders of normal motives and sane sequences of actions.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Up to that point he had persuaded himself that the affairs at Whistlefield would eventually prove to be linked up in some way with the Hackleton case.
