used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
the state of being absent
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading A line completely across the pink page of one announced "Millionaire Ship Owner Missing!"
matters of personal concern
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
Alan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading VIOLENCE At half-past three, Alan left the office.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
declared publicly; made widely known
From this reading A line completely across the pink page of one announced "Millionaire Ship Owner Missing!"
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading VIOLENCE At half-past three, Alan left the office.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
inflected form of “buy” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction
From this reading He halted on the ground floor of the office building and bought copies of each of the afternoon papers.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading He halted on the ground floor of the office building and bought copies of each of the afternoon papers.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading A line completely across the pink page of one announced "Millionaire Ship Owner Missing!"
conferencenounUS /ˈkɑːnfərəns/
a prearranged meeting for consultation or exchange of information or discussion (especially one with a formal agenda)
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
conspicuousadjectiveUS /kənˈspɪkjuːəs/
obvious to the eye or mind
From this reading The other three papers, printed at the same hour, did not display the story prominently; and even the one which did failed to make it the most conspicuous sensation.
copiesnounUS /ˈkɑːpiz/
plural of “copy” — a reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)
From this reading He halted on the ground floor of the office building and bought copies of each of the afternoon papers.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The other three papers, printed at the same hour, did not display the story prominently; and even the one which did failed to make it the most conspicuous sensation.
displaynounUS /dɪˈspleɪ/
something intended to communicate a particular impression
From this reading The other three papers, printed at the same hour, did not display the story prominently; and even the one which did failed to make it the most conspicuous sensation.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading He halted on the ground floor of the office building and bought copies of each of the afternoon papers.
earlier in time; previously
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
divisible by two
From this reading The other three papers, printed at the same hour, did not display the story prominently; and even the one which did failed to make it the most conspicuous sensation.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading The other three papers, printed at the same hour, did not display the story prominently; and even the one which did failed to make it the most conspicuous sensation.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading He halted on the ground floor of the office building and bought copies of each of the afternoon papers.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading He halted on the ground floor of the office building and bought copies of each of the afternoon papers.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
half-past
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading VIOLENCE At half-past three, Alan left the office.
haltedverbUS /ˈhɔːltəd/
past form of “halt” — cause to stop
From this reading He halted on the ground floor of the office building and bought copies of each of the afternoon papers.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The other three papers, printed at the same hour, did not display the story prominently; and even the one which did failed to make it the most conspicuous sensation.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading VIOLENCE At half-past three, Alan left the office.
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading A line completely across the pink page of one announced "Millionaire Ship Owner Missing!"
engage in
From this reading The other three papers, printed at the same hour, did not display the story prominently; and even the one which did failed to make it the most conspicuous sensation.
MillionairenounUS /ˌmɪljəˈner/
a person whose material wealth is valued at more than a million dollars
From this reading A line completely across the pink page of one announced "Millionaire Ship Owner Missing!"
MissingadjectiveUS /ˈmɪsɪŋ/
not able to be found
From this reading A line completely across the pink page of one announced "Millionaire Ship Owner Missing!"
used to form the superlative
From this reading The other three papers, printed at the same hour, did not display the story prominently; and even the one which did failed to make it the most conspicuous sensation.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He halted on the ground floor of the office building and bought copies of each of the afternoon papers.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading VIOLENCE At half-past three, Alan left the office.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He halted on the ground floor of the office building and bought copies of each of the afternoon papers.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A line completely across the pink page of one announced "Millionaire Ship Owner Missing!"
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The other three papers, printed at the same hour, did not display the story prominently; and even the one which did failed to make it the most conspicuous sensation.
(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business
From this reading A line completely across the pink page of one announced "Millionaire Ship Owner Missing!"
one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains
From this reading A line completely across the pink page of one announced "Millionaire Ship Owner Missing!"
writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
From this reading He halted on the ground floor of the office building and bought copies of each of the afternoon papers.
a light shade of red
From this reading A line completely across the pink page of one announced "Millionaire Ship Owner Missing!"
printedverbUS /ˈprɪntɪd/
past form of “print” — put into print
From this reading The other three papers, printed at the same hour, did not display the story prominently; and even the one which did failed to make it the most conspicuous sensation.
prominentlyadverbUS /ˈprɑːmənəntli/
in a prominent way
From this reading The other three papers, printed at the same hour, did not display the story prominently; and even the one which did failed to make it the most conspicuous sensation.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
Identical; not different.
From this reading The other three papers, printed at the same hour, did not display the story prominently; and even the one which did failed to make it the most conspicuous sensation.
an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation
From this reading The other three papers, printed at the same hour, did not display the story prominently; and even the one which did failed to make it the most conspicuous sensation.
Sherrill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
transport commercially
From this reading A line completely across the pink page of one announced "Millionaire Ship Owner Missing!"
Spearman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
Spearman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading The other three papers, printed at the same hour, did not display the story prominently; and even the one which did failed to make it the most conspicuous sensation.
telephonedverbUS /ˈteləfoʊnd/
past form of “telephone” — get or try to get into communication (with someone) by telephone
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading VIOLENCE At half-past three, Alan left the office.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading VIOLENCE At half-past three, Alan left the office.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)
From this reading VIOLENCE At half-past three, Alan left the office.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The other three papers, printed at the same hour, did not display the story prominently; and even the one which did failed to make it the most conspicuous sensation.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Sherrill had told him an hour earlier that Spearman had telephoned he would not be able to get back for a conference that afternoon; and Alan was certain now that in Spearman's absence Sherrill would do nothing further with respect to his affairs.
