Chapter IV · Chapter 4

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading No one had been seen around the place, and even the manner in which the foul deed had been committed was a secret.

the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The most tantalizing thing about the whole affair was its simplicity.

(Old Testament) in Judeo-Christian mythology; the first man and the husband of Eve and the progenitor of the human race

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

American Revolutionary leader and patriot; an organizer of the Boston Tea Party and signer of the Declaration of Independence (1722-1803)

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading The most tantalizing thing about the whole affair was its simplicity.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading No one had been seen around the place, and even the manner in which the foul deed had been committed was a secret.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Two people had been murdered in their own home in broad daylight.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Two people had been murdered in their own home in broad daylight.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

an occurrence of something

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

rid of obstructions

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

bound or obligated, as under a pledge to a particular cause, action, or attitude

From this reading No one had been seen around the place, and even the manner in which the foul deed had been committed was a secret.

bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside

From this reading Two people had been murdered in their own home in broad daylight.

a legal document signed and sealed and delivered to effect a transfer of property and to show the legal right to possess it

From this reading No one had been seen around the place, and even the manner in which the foul deed had been committed was a secret.

a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

past form of “encounter” — come together

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

divisible by two

From this reading No one had been seen around the place, and even the manner in which the foul deed had been committed was a secret.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

highly offensive; arousing aversion or disgust

From this reading No one had been seen around the place, and even the manner in which the foul deed had been committed was a secret.

a young female

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Two people had been murdered in their own home in broad daylight.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

past form of “intimate” — give to understand

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

a scientist who devotes himself to doing research

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading The most tantalizing thing about the whole affair was its simplicity.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

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 A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading No one had been seen around the place, and even the manner in which the foul deed had been committed was a secret.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

used to form the superlative

From this reading The most tantalizing thing about the whole affair was its simplicity.

killed unlawfully

From this reading Two people had been murdered in their own home in broad daylight.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

not any; not one

From this reading No one had been seen around the place, and even the manner in which the foul deed had been committed was a secret.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading No one had been seen around the place, and even the manner in which the foul deed had been committed was a secret.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Two people had been murdered in their own home in broad daylight.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Two people had been murdered in their own home in broad daylight.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading No one had been seen around the place, and even the manner in which the foul deed had been committed was a secret.

situated in a particular spot or position

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

plural of “possibility” — a future prospect or potential

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

plural of “problem” — a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

successfully completed or brought to an end

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

unusual or striking

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading No one had been seen around the place, and even the manner in which the foul deed had been committed was a secret.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading No one had been seen around the place, and even the manner in which the foul deed had been committed was a secret.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

the quality of being simple or uncompounded

From this reading The most tantalizing thing about the whole affair was its simplicity.

a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

explained or answered

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

arousing desire or expectation for something unattainable or mockingly out of reach

From this reading The most tantalizing thing about the whole affair was its simplicity.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Two people had been murdered in their own home in broad daylight.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

a special situation

From this reading The most tantalizing thing about the whole affair was its simplicity.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Two people had been murdered in their own home in broad daylight.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.

at the time that

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading No one had been seen around the place, and even the manner in which the foul deed had been committed was a secret.

which person or people

From this reading A score of possibilities presented themselves to his mind when he left Margaret Langmore and Raymond Case to begin the task he had set before himself--to clear the fair name of the beautiful girl who had placed her faith in him and his ability.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading The most tantalizing thing about the whole affair was its simplicity.

but in spite of that

From this reading DETECTIVE AND DOCTOR As already intimated, Adam Adams, in his career as an investigator and detective, had solved many difficult criminal problems, yet this somewhat remarkable individual realized that the mystery before him was as difficult of solution as any he had yet encountered.