used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Evidently the Inspector imagined that Barker knew something, or perhaps as an alternative he fancied that he in his turn knew something about Barker.
alternativeadjectiveUS /ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪv/
serving or used in place of another
From this reading Evidently the Inspector imagined that Barker knew something, or perhaps as an alternative he fancied that he in his turn knew something about Barker.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Evidently the Inspector imagined that Barker knew something, or perhaps as an alternative he fancied that he in his turn knew something about Barker.
Anthony'snounUS /ˈænθəniz/
possessive form of “anthony” — Roman general under Julius Caesar in the Gallic wars; repudiated his wife for the Egyptian queen Cleopatra; they were defeated by Octavian at Actium (83-30 BC)
From this reading LIEUTENANT BARKER ATTEMPTS TO REMEMBER I glanced in Anthony’s direction.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading I scanned Anthony’s face in the idea of ascertaining, if I could, if he attached any degree of importance to the man we were awaiting.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Evidently the Inspector imagined that Barker knew something, or perhaps as an alternative he fancied that he in his turn knew something about Barker.
ascertainingverbUS /ˌæsərˈteɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “ascertain” — establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study
From this reading I scanned Anthony’s face in the idea of ascertaining, if I could, if he attached any degree of importance to the man we were awaiting.
being joined in close association
From this reading I scanned Anthony’s face in the idea of ascertaining, if I could, if he attached any degree of importance to the man we were awaiting.
ATTEMPTSnounUS /əˈtempts/
plural of “attempt” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading LIEUTENANT BARKER ATTEMPTS TO REMEMBER I glanced in Anthony’s direction.
awaitingverbUS /əˈweɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading I scanned Anthony’s face in the idea of ascertaining, if I could, if he attached any degree of importance to the man we were awaiting.
BARKERnounUS /ˈbɑːrkər/
someone who stands in front of a show (as at a carnival) and gives a loud colorful sales talk to potential customers
From this reading LIEUTENANT BARKER ATTEMPTS TO REMEMBER I glanced in Anthony’s direction.
a boy or man
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)
From this reading “Come in, Barker,” said Sir Charles Considine kindly.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading “Come in, Barker,” said Sir Charles Considine kindly.
Considine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Come in, Barker,” said Sir Charles Considine kindly.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading I scanned Anthony’s face in the idea of ascertaining, if I could, if he attached any degree of importance to the man we were awaiting.
couldn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
decentadjectiveUS /ˈdiːsənt/
socially or conventionally correct; refined or virtuous
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading I scanned Anthony’s face in the idea of ascertaining, if I could, if he attached any degree of importance to the man we were awaiting.
didn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading LIEUTENANT BARKER ATTEMPTS TO REMEMBER I glanced in Anthony’s direction.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading Evidently the Inspector imagined that Barker knew something, or perhaps as an alternative he fancied that he in his turn knew something about Barker.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading I scanned Anthony’s face in the idea of ascertaining, if I could, if he attached any degree of importance to the man we were awaiting.
formed or conceived by the imagination
From this reading Evidently the Inspector imagined that Barker knew something, or perhaps as an alternative he fancied that he in his turn knew something about Barker.
past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading LIEUTENANT BARKER ATTEMPTS TO REMEMBER I glanced in Anthony’s direction.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Evidently the Inspector imagined that Barker knew something, or perhaps as an alternative he fancied that he in his turn knew something about Barker.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Evidently the Inspector imagined that Barker knew something, or perhaps as an alternative he fancied that he in his turn knew something about Barker.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading LIEUTENANT BARKER ATTEMPTS TO REMEMBER I glanced in Anthony’s direction.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading I scanned Anthony’s face in the idea of ascertaining, if I could, if he attached any degree of importance to the man we were awaiting.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading I scanned Anthony’s face in the idea of ascertaining, if I could, if he attached any degree of importance to the man we were awaiting.
past form of “imagine” — form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
From this reading Evidently the Inspector imagined that Barker knew something, or perhaps as an alternative he fancied that he in his turn knew something about Barker.
the quality of being important and worthy of note
From this reading I scanned Anthony’s face in the idea of ascertaining, if I could, if he attached any degree of importance to the man we were awaiting.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading LIEUTENANT BARKER ATTEMPTS TO REMEMBER I glanced in Anthony’s direction.
InspectornounUS /ˌɪnˈspektər/
a high ranking police officer
From this reading Evidently the Inspector imagined that Barker knew something, or perhaps as an alternative he fancied that he in his turn knew something about Barker.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
From this reading “Come in, Barker,” said Sir Charles Considine kindly.
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 Evidently the Inspector imagined that Barker knew something, or perhaps as an alternative he fancied that he in his turn knew something about Barker.
a commissioned military officer
From this reading LIEUTENANT BARKER ATTEMPTS TO REMEMBER I glanced in Anthony’s direction.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading I scanned Anthony’s face in the idea of ascertaining, if I could, if he attached any degree of importance to the man we were awaiting.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
murderernounUS /ˈmɜːrdərər/
a criminal who commits homicide (who performs the unlawful premeditated killing of another human being)
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
not any; not one
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I scanned Anthony’s face in the idea of ascertaining, if I could, if he attached any degree of importance to the man we were awaiting.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Evidently the Inspector imagined that Barker knew something, or perhaps as an alternative he fancied that he in his turn knew something about Barker.
by chance
From this reading Evidently the Inspector imagined that Barker knew something, or perhaps as an alternative he fancied that he in his turn knew something about Barker.
PersonallyadverbUS /ˈpɜːrsənəli/
as yourself
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
preposterousadjectiveUS /prɪˈpɑːstərəs/
so unreasonable as to invite derision
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
To recall to mind.
From this reading LIEUTENANT BARKER ATTEMPTS TO REMEMBER I glanced in Anthony’s direction.
inspiring scornful pity
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “Come in, Barker,” said Sir Charles Considine kindly.
scannedverbUS /skænd/
inflected form of “scan” — examine minutely or intensely
From this reading I scanned Anthony’s face in the idea of ascertaining, if I could, if he attached any degree of importance to the man we were awaiting.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
term of address for a man
From this reading “Come in, Barker,” said Sir Charles Considine kindly.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Evidently the Inspector imagined that Barker knew something, or perhaps as an alternative he fancied that he in his turn knew something about Barker.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Evidently the Inspector imagined that Barker knew something, or perhaps as an alternative he fancied that he in his turn knew something about Barker.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Evidently the Inspector imagined that Barker knew something, or perhaps as an alternative he fancied that he in his turn knew something about Barker.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading LIEUTENANT BARKER ATTEMPTS TO REMEMBER I glanced in Anthony’s direction.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading Evidently the Inspector imagined that Barker knew something, or perhaps as an alternative he fancied that he in his turn knew something about Barker.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading I scanned Anthony’s face in the idea of ascertaining, if I could, if he attached any degree of importance to the man we were awaiting.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I scanned Anthony’s face in the idea of ascertaining, if I could, if he attached any degree of importance to the man we were awaiting.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Personally, I couldn’t see Barker as a murderer ... he was a chap whom I had always liked, no end of a decent sort ... surely they didn’t regard him in that light ... it seemed to me ridiculous ... preposterous....
