used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
alertadjectiveUS /əˈlɜːrt/
engaged in or accustomed to close observation
From this reading “There isn’t a man in the diplomatic service more alert or level-headed than he, so far as I know.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading I am confident that it would be impossible for Portiforo to pull the wool over his eyes.”
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “There isn’t a man in the diplomatic service more alert or level-headed than he, so far as I know.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading “Possibly Portiforo has not pulled the wool over Throgmorton’s eyes,” the little man who sat at the president’s right suggested quietly.
basisnounUS /ˈbeɪsəs/
a relation that provides the foundation for something
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
past form of “cause” — give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
confidentadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnfədənt/
having or marked by confidence or assurance
From this reading I am confident that it would be impossible for Portiforo to pull the wool over his eyes.”
couchedverbUS /kaʊtʃt/
past form of “couch” — formulate in a particular style or language
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
made known or openly avowed
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
diplomaticadjectiveUS /ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk/
relating to or characteristic of diplomacy
From this reading “There isn’t a man in the diplomatic service more alert or level-headed than he, so far as I know.
discussionnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃən/
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
emphasisnounUS /ˈemfəsəs/
special importance or significance
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
opinion or judgment
From this reading I am confident that it would be impossible for Portiforo to pull the wool over his eyes.”
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading “There isn’t a man in the diplomatic service more alert or level-headed than he, so far as I know.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
brought together in one place
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “Possibly Portiforo has not pulled the wool over Throgmorton’s eyes,” the little man who sat at the president’s right suggested quietly.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “There isn’t a man in the diplomatic service more alert or level-headed than he, so far as I know.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading I am confident that it would be impossible for Portiforo to pull the wool over his eyes.”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
isn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “There isn’t a man in the diplomatic service more alert or level-headed than he, so far as I know.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading “There isn’t a man in the diplomatic service more alert or level-headed than he, so far as I know.
level-headedadjective
exercising or showing good judgment
From this reading “There isn’t a man in the diplomatic service more alert or level-headed than he, so far as I know.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading “Possibly Portiforo has not pulled the wool over Throgmorton’s eyes,” the little man who sat at the president’s right suggested quietly.
mahoganynounUS /məˈhɑːɡəni/
wood of any of various mahogany trees; much used for cabinetwork and furniture
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading “There isn’t a man in the diplomatic service more alert or level-headed than he, so far as I know.
massiveadjectiveUS /ˈmæsɪv/
imposing in size or bulk or solidity
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
the force of workers available
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading “There isn’t a man in the diplomatic service more alert or level-headed than he, so far as I know.
a form of address for a man
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading “There isn’t a man in the diplomatic service more alert or level-headed than he, so far as I know.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading I am confident that it would be impossible for Portiforo to pull the wool over his eyes.”
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
-ing form of “point” — indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
Portiforo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I am confident that it would be impossible for Portiforo to pull the wool over his eyes.”
positiveadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːzətɪv/
characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc.
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
by chance
From this reading “Possibly Portiforo has not pulled the wool over Throgmorton’s eyes,” the little man who sat at the president’s right suggested quietly.
an executive officer of a firm or corporation
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
president'snounUS /ˈprezɪdənts/
possessive form of “president” — an executive officer of a firm or corporation
From this reading “Possibly Portiforo has not pulled the wool over Throgmorton’s eyes,” the little man who sat at the president’s right suggested quietly.
cause to move by pulling
From this reading I am confident that it would be impossible for Portiforo to pull the wool over his eyes.”
past form of “pull” — cause to move by pulling
From this reading “Possibly Portiforo has not pulled the wool over Throgmorton’s eyes,” the little man who sat at the president’s right suggested quietly.
pursueverbUS /pərˈsuː/
carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
with low volume
From this reading “Possibly Portiforo has not pulled the wool over Throgmorton’s eyes,” the little man who sat at the president’s right suggested quietly.
be fully aware or cognizant of
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
to give an account or representation of in words
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
precisely, exactly
From this reading “Possibly Portiforo has not pulled the wool over Throgmorton’s eyes,” the little man who sat at the president’s right suggested quietly.
rumornounUS /ˈruːmər/
gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading “Possibly Portiforo has not pulled the wool over Throgmorton’s eyes,” the little man who sat at the president’s right suggested quietly.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading “There isn’t a man in the diplomatic service more alert or level-headed than he, so far as I know.
a disassembled barrel; the parts packed for storage or shipment
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading “There isn’t a man in the diplomatic service more alert or level-headed than he, so far as I know.
plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading “Possibly Portiforo has not pulled the wool over Throgmorton’s eyes,” the little man who sat at the president’s right suggested quietly.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
status with respect to the relations between people or groups
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading “There isn’t a man in the diplomatic service more alert or level-headed than he, so far as I know.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
in or at that place or location
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
Throgmorton's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
UnitedadjectiveUS /juːˈnaɪtɪd/
characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “It is my opinion, gentlemen, that if there were the slightest basis for this rumor, Mr. Throgmorton’s report would not be couched in such positive terms!” he declared, pointing to a paper on the table before him.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
which person or people
From this reading “Possibly Portiforo has not pulled the wool over Throgmorton’s eyes,” the little man who sat at the president’s right suggested quietly.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
woolnounUS /wʊl/
a fabric made from the hair of sheep
From this reading I am confident that it would be impossible for Portiforo to pull the wool over his eyes.”
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The President of the United States shook his head with an emphasis which caused the other men gathered around the massive mahogany table to realize that it would be almost a waste of time to pursue the discussion.
