used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
in spite of the fact that
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising
From this reading His amazement held him speechless for a moment, but his natural resourcefulness came back to him with his returning presence of mind.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He knew the futility of an attempt to struggle with his captors, he therefore decided to try to reason with them.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “Sergeant,” he began, quietly enough, “my orders are——” But Thorne would not let him continue.
Arrelsford
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CALL OF THE KEY This astonishing dénouement fairly paralysed Arrelsford.
astonishingadjectiveUS /əˈstɑːnɪʃɪŋ/
surprising greatly
From this reading THE CALL OF THE KEY This astonishing dénouement fairly paralysed Arrelsford.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading He knew the futility of an attempt to struggle with his captors, he therefore decided to try to reason with them.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading His amazement held him speechless for a moment, but his natural resourcefulness came back to him with his returning presence of mind.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading “Sergeant,” he began, quietly enough, “my orders are——” But Thorne would not let him continue.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading His amazement held him speechless for a moment, but his natural resourcefulness came back to him with his returning presence of mind.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading THE CALL OF THE KEY This astonishing dénouement fairly paralysed Arrelsford.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading His amazement held him speechless for a moment, but his natural resourcefulness came back to him with his returning presence of mind.
captorsnounUS /ˈkæptərz/
plural of “captor” — a person who captures and holds people or animals
From this reading He knew the futility of an attempt to struggle with his captors, he therefore decided to try to reason with them.
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
confidentlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːnfədəntli/
with confidence; in a confident manner
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
continue a certain state, condition, or activity
From this reading “Sergeant,” he began, quietly enough, “my orders are——” But Thorne would not let him continue.
approval
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
recognizable; marked
From this reading He knew the futility of an attempt to struggle with his captors, he therefore decided to try to reason with them.
dénouement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CALL OF THE KEY This astonishing dénouement fairly paralysed Arrelsford.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading “Sergeant,” he began, quietly enough, “my orders are——” But Thorne would not let him continue.
entrappedverbUS /ɪnˈtræpt/
inflected form of “entrap” — take or catch as if in a snare or trap
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
the act of escaping physically
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
to certain extent or degree
From this reading THE CALL OF THE KEY This astonishing dénouement fairly paralysed Arrelsford.
formed or conceived by the imagination
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
futilitynounUS /fjuːˈtɪləti/
uselessness as a consequence of having no practical result
From this reading He knew the futility of an attempt to struggle with his captors, he therefore decided to try to reason with them.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading His amazement held him speechless for a moment, but his natural resourcefulness came back to him with his returning presence of mind.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
From this reading THE CALL OF THE KEY This astonishing dénouement fairly paralysed Arrelsford.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading He knew the futility of an attempt to struggle with his captors, he therefore decided to try to reason with them.
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading “Sergeant,” he began, quietly enough, “my orders are——” But Thorne would not let him continue.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading His amazement held him speechless for a moment, but his natural resourcefulness came back to him with his returning presence of mind.
a particular point in time
From this reading His amazement held him speechless for a moment, but his natural resourcefulness came back to him with his returning presence of mind.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “Sergeant,” he began, quietly enough, “my orders are——” But Thorne would not let him continue.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading His amazement held him speechless for a moment, but his natural resourcefulness came back to him with his returning presence of mind.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE CALL OF THE KEY This astonishing dénouement fairly paralysed Arrelsford.
plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading “Sergeant,” he began, quietly enough, “my orders are——” But Thorne would not let him continue.
paralysed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CALL OF THE KEY This astonishing dénouement fairly paralysed Arrelsford.
a future prospect or potential
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
the state of being present; current existence
From this reading His amazement held him speechless for a moment, but his natural resourcefulness came back to him with his returning presence of mind.
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
with low volume
From this reading “Sergeant,” he began, quietly enough, “my orders are——” But Thorne would not let him continue.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading He knew the futility of an attempt to struggle with his captors, he therefore decided to try to reason with them.
resourcefulnessnounUS /riˈsɔːrsfəlnəs/
the quality of being able to cope with a difficult situation
From this reading His amazement held him speechless for a moment, but his natural resourcefulness came back to him with his returning presence of mind.
tending to return to an earlier state
From this reading His amazement held him speechless for a moment, but his natural resourcefulness came back to him with his returning presence of mind.
any of several noncommissioned officer ranks in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a corporal
From this reading “Sergeant,” he began, quietly enough, “my orders are——” But Thorne would not let him continue.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
speechlessadjectiveUS /ˈspiːtʃləs/
temporarily incapable of speaking
From this reading His amazement held him speechless for a moment, but his natural resourcefulness came back to him with his returning presence of mind.
make a strenuous or labored effort
From this reading He knew the futility of an attempt to struggle with his captors, he therefore decided to try to reason with them.
tablesnounUS /ˈteɪbəlz/
plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE CALL OF THE KEY This astonishing dénouement fairly paralysed Arrelsford.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He knew the futility of an attempt to struggle with his captors, he therefore decided to try to reason with them.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading He knew the futility of an attempt to struggle with his captors, he therefore decided to try to reason with them.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading THE CALL OF THE KEY This astonishing dénouement fairly paralysed Arrelsford.
Thorne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading His amazement held him speechless for a moment, but his natural resourcefulness came back to him with his returning presence of mind.
totallyadverbUS /ˈtoʊtəli/
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
make an effort or attempt
From this reading He knew the futility of an attempt to struggle with his captors, he therefore decided to try to reason with them.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
not expected or anticipated
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
a message informing of danger
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
used to ask for information about something
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
in the company of; together with
From this reading With a daring and ability for which he had not given Thorne credit, and which was totally unexpected, although what he had learned of his previous career might have given him some warning, the tables had been turned upon him by a man whom he confidently fancied he had entrapped beyond possibility of escape!
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading “Sergeant,” he began, quietly enough, “my orders are——” But Thorne would not let him continue.
