used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Major Jefferson is Reluctant Inspector Mansfield, of the Elchester police, was a methodical person.
Alec
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He knew exactly what he had to do, and just how to do it.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading And he had precisely as much imagination as was required for his job, and not a fraction more.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Too much imagination can be a very severe handicap to a conscientious policeman, in spite of what the detective stories may say.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading Too much imagination can be a very severe handicap to a conscientious policeman, in spite of what the detective stories may say.
conscientiousadjectiveUS /ˌkɑːnʃiˈenʃəs/
characterized by extreme care and great effort
From this reading Too much imagination can be a very severe handicap to a conscientious policeman, in spite of what the detective stories may say.
contrivedadjectiveUS /kənˈtraɪvd/
showing effects of planning or manipulation
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
a police officer who investigates crimes
From this reading Too much imagination can be a very severe handicap to a conscientious policeman, in spite of what the detective stories may say.
characterized by great determination
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading He knew exactly what he had to do, and just how to do it.
Elchester
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Major Jefferson is Reluctant Inspector Mansfield, of the Elchester police, was a methodical person.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading He knew exactly what he had to do, and just how to do it.
steadfast in affection or allegiance
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading And he had precisely as much imagination as was required for his job, and not a fraction more.
fractionnounUS /ˈfrækʃən/
a component of a mixture that has been separated by a fractional process
From this reading And he had precisely as much imagination as was required for his job, and not a fraction more.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He knew exactly what he had to do, and just how to do it.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
handicapnounUS /ˈhændikæp/
the condition of being unable to perform as a consequence of physical or mental unfitness
From this reading Too much imagination can be a very severe handicap to a conscientious policeman, in spite of what the detective stories may say.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He knew exactly what he had to do, and just how to do it.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading And he had precisely as much imagination as was required for his job, and not a fraction more.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew exactly what he had to do, and just how to do it.
the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses
From this reading And he had precisely as much imagination as was required for his job, and not a fraction more.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Too much imagination can be a very severe handicap to a conscientious policeman, in spite of what the detective stories may say.
InspectornounUS /ˌɪnˈspektər/
a high ranking police officer
From this reading Major Jefferson is Reluctant Inspector Mansfield, of the Elchester police, was a methodical person.
arousing or holding the attention
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Major Jefferson is Reluctant Inspector Mansfield, of the Elchester police, was a methodical person.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He knew exactly what he had to do, and just how to do it.
JeffersonnounUS /ˈdʒefərsən/
3rd President of the United States; chief drafter of the Declaration of Independence; made the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and sent out the Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore it (1743-1826)
From this reading Major Jefferson is Reluctant Inspector Mansfield, of the Elchester police, was a methodical person.
the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
From this reading And he had precisely as much imagination as was required for his job, and not a fraction more.
and nothing more
From this reading He knew exactly what he had to do, and just how to do it.
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 knew exactly what he had to do, and just how to do it.
a room where books are kept
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
MajoradjectiveUS /ˈmeɪdʒər/
of greater importance or stature or rank
From this reading Major Jefferson is Reluctant Inspector Mansfield, of the Elchester police, was a methodical person.
MansfieldnounUS /ˈmænzfiːld/
New Zealand writer of short stories (1888-1923)
From this reading Major Jefferson is Reluctant Inspector Mansfield, of the Elchester police, was a methodical person.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Too much imagination can be a very severe handicap to a conscientious policeman, in spite of what the detective stories may say.
methodicaladjectiveUS /məˈθɑːdəkəl/
characterized by method and orderliness
From this reading Major Jefferson is Reluctant Inspector Mansfield, of the Elchester police, was a methodical person.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading And he had precisely as much imagination as was required for his job, and not a fraction more.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading And he had precisely as much imagination as was required for his job, and not a fraction more.
not any; not one
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading And he had precisely as much imagination as was required for his job, and not a fraction more.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Major Jefferson is Reluctant Inspector Mansfield, of the Elchester police, was a methodical person.
a human being
From this reading Major Jefferson is Reluctant Inspector Mansfield, of the Elchester police, was a methodical person.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading Major Jefferson is Reluctant Inspector Mansfield, of the Elchester police, was a methodical person.
policemannounUS /pəˈliːsmən/
a member of a police force
From this reading Too much imagination can be a very severe handicap to a conscientious policeman, in spite of what the detective stories may say.
by chance
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
preciselyadverbUS /prɪˈsaɪsli/
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading And he had precisely as much imagination as was required for his job, and not a fraction more.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
ReluctantadjectiveUS /rɪˈlʌktənt/
unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom
From this reading Major Jefferson is Reluctant Inspector Mansfield, of the Elchester police, was a methodical person.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading And he had precisely as much imagination as was required for his job, and not a fraction more.
Roger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
express in words
From this reading Too much imagination can be a very severe handicap to a conscientious policeman, in spite of what the detective stories may say.
intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality
From this reading Too much imagination can be a very severe handicap to a conscientious policeman, in spite of what the detective stories may say.
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading Too much imagination can be a very severe handicap to a conscientious policeman, in spite of what the detective stories may say.
not in physical motion
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
plural of “story” — 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 Too much imagination can be a very severe handicap to a conscientious policeman, in spite of what the detective stories may say.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Major Jefferson is Reluctant Inspector Mansfield, of the Elchester police, was a methodical person.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He knew exactly what he had to do, and just how to do it.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Too much imagination can be a very severe handicap to a conscientious policeman, in spite of what the detective stories may say.
townounUS /toʊ/
the act of hauling something (as a vehicle) by means of a hitch or rope
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
precisely as stated
From this reading Too much imagination can be a very severe handicap to a conscientious policeman, in spite of what the detective stories may say.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Major Jefferson is Reluctant Inspector Mansfield, of the Elchester police, was a methodical person.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He knew exactly what he had to do, and just how to do it.
which person or people
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
in the company of; together with
From this reading As the inspector entered the library with Jefferson from the hall, Roger, who had heard his arrival and was determined to miss no more of this interesting situation than he could possibly help, contrived to present himself at the French windows, the faithful Alec still in tow.
