used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
(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 What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
behaviournounUS /bɪˈheɪvjər/
the action or reaction of something (as a machine or substance) under specified circumstances
From this reading The Signora Petito was saying: "I don't understand it at all; and the behaviour of M. Longuet at Saint-Germain throws no fresh light on it.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading Yet by a truly strange chance it was that very document that Signor Petito and his wife were that night discussing.
committingverbUS /kəˈmɪtɪŋ/
inflected form of “commit” — perform an act, usually with a negative connotation
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
discussingverbUS /dɪˈskʌsɪŋ/
-ing form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading Yet by a truly strange chance it was that very document that Signor Petito and his wife were that night discussing.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading The fact is, you do not remember the instructions--all the instructions.
documentnounUS /ˈdɑːkjəment/
writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Signora Petito was saying: "I don't understand it at all; and the behaviour of M. Longuet at Saint-Germain throws no fresh light on it.
expertadjectiveUS /ˈekspərt/
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading The fact is, you do not remember the instructions--all the instructions.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading The Signora Petito was saying: "I don't understand it at all; and the behaviour of M. Longuet at Saint-Germain throws no fresh light on it.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
handwritingnounUS /ˈhændraɪtɪŋ/
something written by hand
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Yet by a truly strange chance it was that very document that Signor Petito and his wife were that night discussing.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The Signora Petito was saying: "I don't understand it at all; and the behaviour of M. Longuet at Saint-Germain throws no fresh light on it.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
imprudencenounUS /ˌɪmˈpruːdəns/
a lack of caution in practical affairs
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
a message received and understood
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
instructionsnounUS /ˌɪnˈstrʌkʃənz/
a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it
From this reading The fact is, you do not remember the instructions--all the instructions.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading The Signora Petito was saying: "I don't understand it at all; and the behaviour of M. Longuet at Saint-Germain throws no fresh light on it.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
Longuet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Signora Petito was saying: "I don't understand it at all; and the behaviour of M. Longuet at Saint-Germain throws no fresh light on it.
the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
From this reading The Signora Petito was saying: "I don't understand it at all; and the behaviour of M. Longuet at Saint-Germain throws no fresh light on it.
the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
attach to a support
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
absolutely essential
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
needfuladjectiveUS /ˈniːdfəl/
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Yet by a truly strange chance it was that very document that Signor Petito and his wife were that night discussing.
not any; not one
From this reading The Signora Petito was saying: "I don't understand it at all; and the behaviour of M. Longuet at Saint-Germain throws no fresh light on it.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The fact is, you do not remember the instructions--all the instructions.
obliteratedadjectiveUS /əˈblɪtəreɪtɪd/
reduced to nothingness
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
held or filled or in use
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The Signora Petito was saying: "I don't understand it at all; and the behaviour of M. Longuet at Saint-Germain throws no fresh light on it.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
Petito
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
To recall to mind.
From this reading The fact is, you do not remember the instructions--all the instructions.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
Saint-Germain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Signora Petito was saying: "I don't understand it at all; and the behaviour of M. Longuet at Saint-Germain throws no fresh light on it.
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading The Signora Petito was saying: "I don't understand it at all; and the behaviour of M. Longuet at Saint-Germain throws no fresh light on it.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
the display of a motion picture
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
SignornounUS /ˈsiːnjɔːr/
used as an Italian courtesy title; can be prefixed to the name or used separately
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
Signoranoun
an Italian title of address equivalent to Mrs. when used before a name
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
stainedadjectiveUS /steɪnd/
marked or dyed or discolored with foreign matter
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
Theophrastusnoun
Greek philosopher who was a student of Aristotle and who succeeded Aristotle as the leader of the Peripatetics (371-287 BC)
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
in or at that place or location
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
throwsnounUS /θroʊz/
plural of “throw” — the act of throwing (propelling something with a rapid movement of the arm and wrist)
From this reading The Signora Petito was saying: "I don't understand it at all; and the behaviour of M. Longuet at Saint-Germain throws no fresh light on it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
having edges that are jagged from injury
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading Yet by a truly strange chance it was that very document that Signor Petito and his wife were that night discussing.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading The Signora Petito was saying: "I don't understand it at all; and the behaviour of M. Longuet at Saint-Germain throws no fresh light on it.
precisely as stated
From this reading Yet by a truly strange chance it was that very document that Signor Petito and his wife were that night discussing.
VIOLETnounUS /ˈvaɪəlɪt/
any of numerous low-growing violas with small flowers
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Yet by a truly strange chance it was that very document that Signor Petito and his wife were that night discussing.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What imprudence indeed could there be in showing to an expert in handwriting a document so torn, stained, and obliterated that it was impossible, at a first glance, to discover any sense or meaning at all in it?
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading Yet by a truly strange chance it was that very document that Signor Petito and his wife were that night discussing.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE EXPLANATION OF THE STRANGE ATTITUDE OF A LITTLE VIOLET CAT It is necessary to mount to the floor above, to the flat occupied by Signor and Signora Petito, to the room in which Theophrastus, with never a thought of the imprudence he was committing, had asked for the needful information about the handwriting of the document.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet by a truly strange chance it was that very document that Signor Petito and his wife were that night discussing.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading The fact is, you do not remember the instructions--all the instructions.
