used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
actsnounUS /ækts/
a New Testament book describing the development of the early church from Christ's Ascension to Paul's sojourn at Rome
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
adoptverbUS /əˈdɑːpt/
choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
advisableadjectiveUS /ədˈvaɪzəbəl/
worthy of being recommended or suggested; prudent or wise
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
(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 These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "But this sort of thing can't go on forever," ejaculated Mr. Wheatcroft.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
can't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "But this sort of thing can't go on forever," ejaculated Mr. Wheatcroft.
cheapadjectiveUS /tʃiːp/
relatively low in price or charging low prices
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
clerksnounUS /klɜːrks/
plural of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
detectivesnounUS /dɪˈtektɪvz/
plural of “detective” — a police officer who investigates crimes
From this reading The senior partner had succeeded in dissuading the junior partner from the employment of detectives.
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
dissuading
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The senior partner had succeeded in dissuading the junior partner from the employment of detectives.
distortverbUS /dɪˈstɔːrt/
make false by mutilation or addition; as of a message or story
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
ejaculated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "But this sort of thing can't go on forever," ejaculated Mr. Wheatcroft.
employmentnounUS /emˈplɔɪmənt/
the state of being employed or having a job
From this reading The senior partner had succeeded in dissuading the junior partner from the employment of detectives.
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
faithfullyadverbUS /ˈfeɪθfəli/
in a faithful manner
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
for a limitless time
From this reading "But this sort of thing can't go on forever," ejaculated Mr. Wheatcroft.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The senior partner had succeeded in dissuading the junior partner from the employment of detectives.
yet to be or coming
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading "But this sort of thing can't go on forever," ejaculated Mr. Wheatcroft.
guiltnounUS /ɡɪlt/
the state of having committed an offense
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Not yet," he said, "not yet.
hirelingnoun
a person who works only for money
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The senior partner had succeeded in dissuading the junior partner from the employment of detectives.
indignitynounUS /ˌɪnˈdɪɡnətiː/
an affront to one's dignity or self-esteem
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
free from evil or guilt
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
isn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
juniornounUS /ˈdʒuːnjər/
term of address for a disrespectful and annoying male
From this reading The senior partner had succeeded in dissuading the junior partner from the employment of detectives.
leakagenounUS /ˈliːkədʒ/
the discharge of a fluid from some container
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
used to form the superlative
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
a form of address for a man
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "Not yet," he said, "not yet.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "But this sort of thing can't go on forever," ejaculated Mr. Wheatcroft.
partnernounUS /ˈpɑːrtnər/
a person's partner in marriage
From this reading The senior partner had succeeded in dissuading the junior partner from the employment of detectives.
keep from happening or arising; make impossible
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Not yet," he said, "not yet.
secretsnounUS /ˈsiːkrəts/
plural of “secret” — something that should remain hidden from others (especially information that is not to be passed on)
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
senioradjectiveUS /ˈsiːnjər/
older; higher in rank; longer in length of tenure or service
From this reading The senior partner had succeeded in dissuading the junior partner from the employment of detectives.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
shadowedadjectiveUS /ˈʃædoʊd/
filled with shade
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
smartadjectiveUS /smɑːrt/
showing mental alertness and calculation and resourcefulness
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
a male human offspring
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading "But this sort of thing can't go on forever," ejaculated Mr. Wheatcroft.
submitverbUS /səbˈmɪt/
refer for judgment or consideration
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading The senior partner had succeeded in dissuading the junior partner from the employment of detectives.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
that's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
a special situation
From this reading "But this sort of thing can't go on forever," ejaculated Mr. Wheatcroft.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "But this sort of thing can't go on forever," ejaculated Mr. Wheatcroft.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
the commercial exchange (buying and selling on domestic or international markets) of goods and services
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
make an effort or attempt
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
used to ask for information about something
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
Wheatcroft
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
Whittiers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
which person or people
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
in the company of; together with
From this reading The Whittiers, father and son, had had a discussion with Mr. Wheatcroft as to the most advisable course to adopt to prevent the future leakage of the trade secrets of the firm.
a late time of life
From this reading These clerks have all served us faithfully for years, and I don't want to submit them to the indignity of being shadowed--that's what they call it, isn't it?--of being shadowed by some cheap hireling who may try to distort the most innocent acts into evidence of guilt, so that he can show us how smart he is."
but in spite of that
From this reading "Not yet," he said, "not yet.
