used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Malter himself opened the door of his small private hotel; a quiet, reserved man who looked like a retired butler.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading He had seen her only the previous afternoon in Fountain Court, in company with a man whom he knew slightly--Kenthwaite, a fellow-barrister.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
react verbally
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
butlernounUS /ˈbʌtlər/
a manservant (usually the head servant of a household) who has charge of wines and the table
From this reading Malter himself opened the door of his small private hotel; a quiet, reserved man who looked like a retired butler.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading He had seen her only the previous afternoon in Fountain Court, in company with a man whom he knew slightly--Kenthwaite, a fellow-barrister.
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading He had seen her only the previous afternoon in Fountain Court, in company with a man whom he knew slightly--Kenthwaite, a fellow-barrister.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Malter himself opened the door of his small private hotel; a quiet, reserved man who looked like a retired butler.
fellow-barrister
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had seen her only the previous afternoon in Fountain Court, in company with a man whom he knew slightly--Kenthwaite, a fellow-barrister.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
FountainnounUS /ˈfaʊntən/
a structure from which an artificially produced jet of water arises
From this reading He had seen her only the previous afternoon in Fountain Court, in company with a man whom he knew slightly--Kenthwaite, a fellow-barrister.
a young female
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
guardedadjectiveUS /ˈɡɑːrdəd/
prudent
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
Hannaford
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He had seen her only the previous afternoon in Fountain Court, in company with a man whom he knew slightly--Kenthwaite, a fellow-barrister.
Hetherwick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hetherwick recognised this girl.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Malter himself opened the door of his small private hotel; a quiet, reserved man who looked like a retired butler.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Malter himself opened the door of his small private hotel; a quiet, reserved man who looked like a retired butler.
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading Malter himself opened the door of his small private hotel; a quiet, reserved man who looked like a retired butler.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
inquirynounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪriː/
a search for knowledge
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
inspector'snounUS /ˌɪnˈspektərz/
possessive form of “inspector” — a high ranking police officer
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading WHOSE PORTRAIT IS THIS?
Kenthwaite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had seen her only the previous afternoon in Fountain Court, in company with a man whom he knew slightly--Kenthwaite, a fellow-barrister.
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 had seen her only the previous afternoon in Fountain Court, in company with a man whom he knew slightly--Kenthwaite, a fellow-barrister.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Malter himself opened the door of his small private hotel; a quiet, reserved man who looked like a retired butler.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Malter himself opened the door of his small private hotel; a quiet, reserved man who looked like a retired butler.
Malter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Malter himself opened the door of his small private hotel; a quiet, reserved man who looked like a retired butler.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Malter himself opened the door of his small private hotel; a quiet, reserved man who looked like a retired butler.
Matherfield's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
a form of address for a man
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Malter himself opened the door of his small private hotel; a quiet, reserved man who looked like a retired butler.
and nothing more
From this reading He had seen her only the previous afternoon in Fountain Court, in company with a man whom he knew slightly--Kenthwaite, a fellow-barrister.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading Malter himself opened the door of his small private hotel; a quiet, reserved man who looked like a retired butler.
a word picture of a person's appearance and character
From this reading WHOSE PORTRAIT IS THIS?
just preceding something else in time or order
From this reading He had seen her only the previous afternoon in Fountain Court, in company with a man whom he knew slightly--Kenthwaite, a fellow-barrister.
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading Malter himself opened the door of his small private hotel; a quiet, reserved man who looked like a retired butler.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading Malter himself opened the door of his small private hotel; a quiet, reserved man who looked like a retired butler.
recognisedadjectiveUS /ˈrekəɡnaɪzd/
provided with a secure reputation
From this reading Hetherwick recognised this girl.
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
reservedadjectiveUS /rɪˈzɜːrvd/
set aside for the use of a particular person or party
From this reading Malter himself opened the door of his small private hotel; a quiet, reserved man who looked like a retired butler.
no longer active in your work or profession
From this reading Malter himself opened the door of his small private hotel; a quiet, reserved man who looked like a retired butler.
United States parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of Robert's Rules of Order (1837-1923)
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading He had seen her only the previous afternoon in Fountain Court, in company with a man whom he knew slightly--Kenthwaite, a fellow-barrister.
to a small degree or extent
From this reading He had seen her only the previous afternoon in Fountain Court, in company with a man whom he knew slightly--Kenthwaite, a fellow-barrister.
not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Malter himself opened the door of his small private hotel; a quiet, reserved man who looked like a retired butler.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Malter himself opened the door of his small private hotel; a quiet, reserved man who looked like a retired butler.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading WHOSE PORTRAIT IS THIS?
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
at the time that
From this reading He was the sort of man who is slow of speech, and he had not replied to Matherfield's guarded inquiry about Mr. Robert Hannaford when a door in the little hall opened, and a girl appeared, who, hearing the inspector's question, immediately came forward as if in answer.
which person or people
From this reading Malter himself opened the door of his small private hotel; a quiet, reserved man who looked like a retired butler.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He had seen her only the previous afternoon in Fountain Court, in company with a man whom he knew slightly--Kenthwaite, a fellow-barrister.
belonging to which person
From this reading WHOSE PORTRAIT IS THIS?
in the company of; together with
From this reading He had seen her only the previous afternoon in Fountain Court, in company with a man whom he knew slightly--Kenthwaite, a fellow-barrister.
