used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
abductionnounUS /æbˈdʌkʃən/
the criminal act of capturing and carrying away by force a family member; if a man's wife is abducted it is a crime against the family relationship and against the wife
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading Paul's heart seemed to stand still as he reflected on Poubalov's act.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading There was nothing personal in that; but here was an element of personal relationship that might lead to worse than complications.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Paul's heart seemed to stand still as he reflected on Poubalov's act.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
Clara
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Poubalov in love--no! not that sacred word; infatuated, rather, with Clara Hilman.
complicationsnounUS /ˌkɑːmpləˈkeɪʃənz/
plural of “complication” — the act or process of complicating
From this reading There was nothing personal in that; but here was an element of personal relationship that might lead to worse than complications.
confessedverbUS /kənˈfest/
past form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
conflictnounUS /ˈkɑːnflɪkt/
an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
elementnounUS /ˈeləmənt/
an abstract part of something
From this reading There was nothing personal in that; but here was an element of personal relationship that might lead to worse than complications.
at any time
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Paul's heart seemed to stand still as he reflected on Poubalov's act.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading Paul's heart seemed to stand still as he reflected on Poubalov's act.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading There was nothing personal in that; but here was an element of personal relationship that might lead to worse than complications.
Hilman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Poubalov in love--no! not that sacred word; infatuated, rather, with Clara Hilman.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
infatuatedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈfætʃuːeɪtɪd/
marked by foolish or unreasoning fondness
From this reading Poubalov in love--no! not that sacred word; infatuated, rather, with Clara Hilman.
instigatingverbUS /ˈɪnstəɡeɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “instigate” — provoke or stir up
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
take somebody somewhere
From this reading There was nothing personal in that; but here was an element of personal relationship that might lead to worse than complications.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading Poubalov in love--no! not that sacred word; infatuated, rather, with Clara Hilman.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading There was nothing personal in that; but here was an element of personal relationship that might lead to worse than complications.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
not any; not one
From this reading Poubalov in love--no! not that sacred word; infatuated, rather, with Clara Hilman.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Poubalov in love--no! not that sacred word; infatuated, rather, with Clara Hilman.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading There was nothing personal in that; but here was an element of personal relationship that might lead to worse than complications.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Paul's heart seemed to stand still as he reflected on Poubalov's act.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
Paul'snounUS /pɔːlz/
possessive form of “paul” — United States feminist (1885-1977)
From this reading Paul's heart seemed to stand still as he reflected on Poubalov's act.
concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality
From this reading There was nothing personal in that; but here was an element of personal relationship that might lead to worse than complications.
Poubalov
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Poubalov in love--no! not that sacred word; infatuated, rather, with Clara Hilman.
POUBALOV'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading POUBALOV'S REVOLUTION.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
on the contrary
From this reading Poubalov in love--no! not that sacred word; infatuated, rather, with Clara Hilman.
(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back
From this reading Paul's heart seemed to stand still as he reflected on Poubalov's act.
mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
relationshipnounUS /riˈleɪʃənʃɪp/
a relation between people; (“relationship” is often used where “relation” would serve, as in `the relationship between inflation and unemployment', but the preferred usage of “relationship” is for human relations or states of relatedness)
From this reading There was nothing personal in that; but here was an element of personal relationship that might lead to worse than complications.
REVOLUTIONnounUS /ˌrevəˈluːʃən/
a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving
From this reading POUBALOV'S REVOLUTION.
concerned with religion or religious purposes
From this reading Poubalov in love--no! not that sacred word; infatuated, rather, with Clara Hilman.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Paul's heart seemed to stand still as he reflected on Poubalov's act.
spyverbUS /spaɪ/
catch sight of
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
be standing; be upright
From this reading Paul's heart seemed to stand still as he reflected on Poubalov's act.
not in physical motion
From this reading Paul's heart seemed to stand still as he reflected on Poubalov's act.
Strobel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading There was nothing personal in that; but here was an element of personal relationship that might lead to worse than complications.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was nothing personal in that; but here was an element of personal relationship that might lead to worse than complications.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Paul's heart seemed to stand still as he reflected on Poubalov's act.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The original purpose of the spy in calling upon Strobel and instigating his abduction, was as much a mystery as ever, but it was one that could be explained on the ground of Poubalov's confessed relations with the government with which Strobel had been in conflict.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Poubalov in love--no! not that sacred word; infatuated, rather, with Clara Hilman.
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading There was nothing personal in that; but here was an element of personal relationship that might lead to worse than complications.
