used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “Your letter was a shade ambiguous.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
ambiguousadjectiveUS /æmˈbɪɡjuːəs/
open to two or more interpretations; or of uncertain nature or significance; or (often) intended to mislead
From this reading “Your letter was a shade ambiguous.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “You are quite right,” I replied.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading You spoke of discussing the D’Arblay case, but I think you had something more than discussion in your mind.”
an occurrence of something
From this reading You spoke of discussing the D’Arblay case, but I think you had something more than discussion in your mind.”
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
make right or correct
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
costsnounUS /kɑːsts/
pecuniary reimbursement to the winning party for the expenses of litigation
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
D'Arblay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You spoke of discussing the D’Arblay case, but I think you had something more than discussion in your mind.”
discussingverbUS /dɪˈskʌsɪŋ/
-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading You spoke of discussing the D’Arblay case, but I think you had something more than discussion in your mind.”
discussionnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃən/
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading You spoke of discussing the D’Arblay case, but I think you had something more than discussion in your mind.”
EnlargingverbUS /ɪnˈlɑːrdʒɪŋ/
-ing form of “enlarge” — make larger
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading You spoke of discussing the D’Arblay case, but I think you had something more than discussion in your mind.”
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading You spoke of discussing the D’Arblay case, but I think you had something more than discussion in your mind.”
investigateverbUS /ˌɪnˈvestəɡeɪt/
investigate scientifically
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading “Your letter was a shade ambiguous.
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading You spoke of discussing the D’Arblay case, but I think you had something more than discussion in your mind.”
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading You spoke of discussing the D’Arblay case, but I think you had something more than discussion in your mind.”
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
not one thing; not anything
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading You spoke of discussing the D’Arblay case, but I think you had something more than discussion in your mind.”
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
capable of happening or existing
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading “You are quite right,” I replied.
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading “You are quite right,” I replied.
retainverbUS /rɪˈteɪn/
hold back within
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
precisely, exactly
From this reading “You are quite right,” I replied.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body
From this reading “Your letter was a shade ambiguous.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading You spoke of discussing the D’Arblay case, but I think you had something more than discussion in your mind.”
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading You spoke of discussing the D’Arblay case, but I think you had something more than discussion in your mind.”
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading You spoke of discussing the D’Arblay case, but I think you had something more than discussion in your mind.”
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
in or at that place or location
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading You spoke of discussing the D’Arblay case, but I think you had something more than discussion in your mind.”
Thorndyke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
Thorndyke's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “Your letter was a shade ambiguous.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading “I had in my mind to ask if it would be possible for me to retain you—I believe that is the correct expression—to investigate the case, as the police seem to think there is nothing to go on; and if the costs would be likely to be within my means.”
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Enlarging Thorndyke’s Knowledge “I am glad you were able to come,” said Thorndyke, as we took our places at the table.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Your letter was a shade ambiguous.
