used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
absolvingverbUS /əbˈzɑːlvɪŋ/
-ing form of “absolve” — grant remission of a sin to
From this reading Apparently he had a perfect _alibi_—as good as Ellery’s own—absolving him of all part in the events of the fatal Tuesday night.
something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
alibinounUS /ˈæləbaɪ/
(law) a defense by an accused person purporting to show that he or she could not have committed the crime in question
From this reading Apparently he had a perfect _alibi_—as good as Ellery’s own—absolving him of all part in the events of the fatal Tuesday night.
(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 Apparently he had a perfect _alibi_—as good as Ellery’s own—absolving him of all part in the events of the fatal Tuesday night.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Indeed, in the eyes of the law he had scarcely needed an _alibi_, for nothing had occurred to throw any real suspicion upon him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Indeed, in the eyes of the law he had scarcely needed an _alibi_, for nothing had occurred to throw any real suspicion upon him.
from appearances alone
From this reading Apparently he had a perfect _alibi_—as good as Ellery’s own—absolving him of all part in the events of the fatal Tuesday night.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Apparently he had a perfect _alibi_—as good as Ellery’s own—absolving him of all part in the events of the fatal Tuesday night.
basedadjectiveUS /beɪst/
having a base
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Tuesday, therefore, seemed the best starting-point; for if Woodman’s _alibi_ for that occasion held good, that would finish the matter, and prove that the whole edifice of suppositions which Ellery had built up was founded on nothing.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading Tuesday, therefore, seemed the best starting-point; for if Woodman’s _alibi_ for that occasion held good, that would finish the matter, and prove that the whole edifice of suppositions which Ellery had built up was founded on nothing.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
CarternounUS /ˈkɑːrtər/
Englishman and Egyptologist who in 1922 discovered and excavated the tomb of Tutankhamen (1873-1939)
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
certaintynounUS /ˈsɜːrtənti/
the state of being certain
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
characterized by great determination
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
edificenounUS /ˈedəfəs/
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading Tuesday, therefore, seemed the best starting-point; for if Woodman’s _alibi_ for that occasion held good, that would finish the matter, and prove that the whole edifice of suppositions which Ellery had built up was founded on nothing.
Ellery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
Ellery's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
divisible by two
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading Apparently he had a perfect _alibi_—as good as Ellery’s own—absolving him of all part in the events of the fatal Tuesday night.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Indeed, in the eyes of the law he had scarcely needed an _alibi_, for nothing had occurred to throw any real suspicion upon him.
fataladjectiveUS /ˈfeɪtəl/
bringing death
From this reading Apparently he had a perfect _alibi_—as good as Ellery’s own—absolving him of all part in the events of the fatal Tuesday night.
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading Tuesday, therefore, seemed the best starting-point; for if Woodman’s _alibi_ for that occasion held good, that would finish the matter, and prove that the whole edifice of suppositions which Ellery had built up was founded on nothing.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Indeed, in the eyes of the law he had scarcely needed an _alibi_, for nothing had occurred to throw any real suspicion upon him.
foundedverbUS /ˈfaʊndɪd/
past form of “found” — set up or found
From this reading Tuesday, therefore, seemed the best starting-point; for if Woodman’s _alibi_ for that occasion held good, that would finish the matter, and prove that the whole edifice of suppositions which Ellery had built up was founded on nothing.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Apparently he had a perfect _alibi_—as good as Ellery’s own—absolving him of all part in the events of the fatal Tuesday night.
expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Apparently he had a perfect _alibi_—as good as Ellery’s own—absolving him of all part in the events of the fatal Tuesday night.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Apparently he had a perfect _alibi_—as good as Ellery’s own—absolving him of all part in the events of the fatal Tuesday night.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading Tuesday, therefore, seemed the best starting-point; for if Woodman’s _alibi_ for that occasion held good, that would finish the matter, and prove that the whole edifice of suppositions which Ellery had built up was founded on nothing.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Apparently he had a perfect _alibi_—as good as Ellery’s own—absolving him of all part in the events of the fatal Tuesday night.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Tuesday, therefore, seemed the best starting-point; for if Woodman’s _alibi_ for that occasion held good, that would finish the matter, and prove that the whole edifice of suppositions which Ellery had built up was founded on nothing.
of the present time and place
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Apparently he had a perfect _alibi_—as good as Ellery’s own—absolving him of all part in the events of the fatal Tuesday night.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Indeed, in the eyes of the law he had scarcely needed an _alibi_, for nothing had occurred to throw any real suspicion upon him.
investigationnounUS /ˌɪnvestəˈɡeɪʃən/
an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
Joan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
the collection of rules imposed by authority
From this reading Indeed, in the eyes of the law he had scarcely needed an _alibi_, for nothing had occurred to throw any real suspicion upon him.
be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
engage in
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Tuesday, therefore, seemed the best starting-point; for if Woodman’s _alibi_ for that occasion held good, that would finish the matter, and prove that the whole edifice of suppositions which Ellery had built up was founded on nothing.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
plural of “movement” — a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading Indeed, in the eyes of the law he had scarcely needed an _alibi_, for nothing had occurred to throw any real suspicion upon him.
in spite of what has just been said
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Apparently he had a perfect _alibi_—as good as Ellery’s own—absolving him of all part in the events of the fatal Tuesday night.
not any; not one
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Indeed, in the eyes of the law he had scarcely needed an _alibi_, for nothing had occurred to throw any real suspicion upon him.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading Tuesday, therefore, seemed the best starting-point; for if Woodman’s _alibi_ for that occasion held good, that would finish the matter, and prove that the whole edifice of suppositions which Ellery had built up was founded on nothing.
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading Indeed, in the eyes of the law he had scarcely needed an _alibi_, for nothing had occurred to throw any real suspicion upon him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Apparently he had a perfect _alibi_—as good as Ellery’s own—absolving him of all part in the events of the fatal Tuesday night.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading Apparently he had a perfect _alibi_—as good as Ellery’s own—absolving him of all part in the events of the fatal Tuesday night.
be shown or be found to be
From this reading Tuesday, therefore, seemed the best starting-point; for if Woodman’s _alibi_ for that occasion held good, that would finish the matter, and prove that the whole edifice of suppositions which Ellery had built up was founded on nothing.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading Indeed, in the eyes of the law he had scarcely needed an _alibi_, for nothing had occurred to throw any real suspicion upon him.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
only a very short time before
From this reading Indeed, in the eyes of the law he had scarcely needed an _alibi_, for nothing had occurred to throw any real suspicion upon him.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Tuesday, therefore, seemed the best starting-point; for if Woodman’s _alibi_ for that occasion held good, that would finish the matter, and prove that the whole edifice of suppositions which Ellery had built up was founded on nothing.
starting-point
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tuesday, therefore, seemed the best starting-point; for if Woodman’s _alibi_ for that occasion held good, that would finish the matter, and prove that the whole edifice of suppositions which Ellery had built up was founded on nothing.
suppositionsnounUS /ˌsʌpəˈzɪʃənz/
plural of “supposition” — a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
From this reading Tuesday, therefore, seemed the best starting-point; for if Woodman’s _alibi_ for that occasion held good, that would finish the matter, and prove that the whole edifice of suppositions which Ellery had built up was founded on nothing.
believed likely
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
an impression that something might be the case
From this reading Indeed, in the eyes of the law he had scarcely needed an _alibi_, for nothing had occurred to throw any real suspicion upon him.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading Tuesday, therefore, seemed the best starting-point; for if Woodman’s _alibi_ for that occasion held good, that would finish the matter, and prove that the whole edifice of suppositions which Ellery had built up was founded on nothing.
thoroughadjectiveUS /ˈθɜːroʊ/
painstakingly careful and accurate
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
propel through the air
From this reading Indeed, in the eyes of the law he had scarcely needed an _alibi_, for nothing had occurred to throw any real suspicion upon him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
TuesdaynounUS /ˈtuːzdi/
the third day of the week; the second working day
From this reading Apparently he had a perfect _alibi_—as good as Ellery’s own—absolving him of all part in the events of the fatal Tuesday night.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Tuesday, therefore, seemed the best starting-point; for if Woodman’s _alibi_ for that occasion held good, that would finish the matter, and prove that the whole edifice of suppositions which Ellery had built up was founded on nothing.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
at the time that
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Tuesday, therefore, seemed the best starting-point; for if Woodman’s _alibi_ for that occasion held good, that would finish the matter, and prove that the whole edifice of suppositions which Ellery had built up was founded on nothing.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading Tuesday, therefore, seemed the best starting-point; for if Woodman’s _alibi_ for that occasion held good, that would finish the matter, and prove that the whole edifice of suppositions which Ellery had built up was founded on nothing.
Woodman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Lie of the Land When Joan and Ellery determined upon their course of action, Ellery’s immediate part was to make a thorough investigation of Carter Woodman’s movements.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Ellery suspected him nevertheless almost to certainty; but he admitted to himself that even now his suspicion was based on what others would regard as no more than a guess.
