used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Still, he was distinctly satisfied, if not exactly exultant, and he went back towards the station with a strong predisposition against the Contessa di Castagneto.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
assistantnounUS /əˈsɪstənt/
a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading Just outside the waiting-room, however, his assistant, Galipaud, met him with news which rather dashed his hopes, and gave a new direction to his thoughts.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading “Impossible!” cried the Chief, and then at once suspicion followed surprise.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Still, he was distinctly satisfied, if not exactly exultant, and he went back towards the station with a strong predisposition against the Contessa di Castagneto.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
Castagneto
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still, he was distinctly satisfied, if not exactly exultant, and he went back towards the station with a strong predisposition against the Contessa di Castagneto.
a person who is in charge
From this reading “Impossible!” cried the Chief, and then at once suspicion followed surprise.
Contessa
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still, he was distinctly satisfied, if not exactly exultant, and he went back towards the station with a strong predisposition against the Contessa di Castagneto.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading “Impossible!” cried the Chief, and then at once suspicion followed surprise.
having gaps or spaces
From this reading Just outside the waiting-room, however, his assistant, Galipaud, met him with news which rather dashed his hopes, and gave a new direction to his thoughts.
detectivenounUS /dɪˈtektɪv/
a police officer who investigates crimes
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
di
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still, he was distinctly satisfied, if not exactly exultant, and he went back towards the station with a strong predisposition against the Contessa di Castagneto.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading Just outside the waiting-room, however, his assistant, Galipaud, met him with news which rather dashed his hopes, and gave a new direction to his thoughts.
discoveriesnounUS /dɪˈskʌvəriz/
plural of “discovery” — the act of discovering something
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
clear to the mind; with distinct mental discernment
From this reading Still, he was distinctly satisfied, if not exactly exultant, and he went back towards the station with a strong predisposition against the Contessa di Castagneto.
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading Still, he was distinctly satisfied, if not exactly exultant, and he went back towards the station with a strong predisposition against the Contessa di Castagneto.
having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
exultantadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzʌltənt/
joyful and proud especially because of triumph or success
From this reading Still, he was distinctly satisfied, if not exactly exultant, and he went back towards the station with a strong predisposition against the Contessa di Castagneto.
Floçon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading “Impossible!” cried the Chief, and then at once suspicion followed surprise.
set up or found
From this reading The lady’s maid was not to be found.
Galipaud
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just outside the waiting-room, however, his assistant, Galipaud, met him with news which rather dashed his hopes, and gave a new direction to his thoughts.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Just outside the waiting-room, however, his assistant, Galipaud, met him with news which rather dashed his hopes, and gave a new direction to his thoughts.
a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Just outside the waiting-room, however, his assistant, Galipaud, met him with news which rather dashed his hopes, and gave a new direction to his thoughts.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Just outside the waiting-room, however, his assistant, Galipaud, met him with news which rather dashed his hopes, and gave a new direction to his thoughts.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Just outside the waiting-room, however, his assistant, Galipaud, met him with news which rather dashed his hopes, and gave a new direction to his thoughts.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Still, he was distinctly satisfied, if not exactly exultant, and he went back towards the station with a strong predisposition against the Contessa di Castagneto.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading “Impossible!” cried the Chief, and then at once suspicion followed surprise.
and nothing more
From this reading Just outside the waiting-room, however, his assistant, Galipaud, met him with news which rather dashed his hopes, and gave a new direction to his thoughts.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
lady'snounUS /ˈleɪdiz/
possessive form of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading The lady’s maid was not to be found.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
a female domestic
From this reading The lady’s maid was not to be found.
engage in
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading Just outside the waiting-room, however, his assistant, Galipaud, met him with news which rather dashed his hopes, and gave a new direction to his thoughts.
used to form the superlative
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Just outside the waiting-room, however, his assistant, Galipaud, met him with news which rather dashed his hopes, and gave a new direction to his thoughts.
information about recent and important events
From this reading Just outside the waiting-room, however, his assistant, Galipaud, met him with news which rather dashed his hopes, and gave a new direction to his thoughts.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
on one occasion
From this reading “Impossible!” cried the Chief, and then at once suspicion followed surprise.
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading Just outside the waiting-room, however, his assistant, Galipaud, met him with news which rather dashed his hopes, and gave a new direction to his thoughts.
plausibleadjectiveUS /ˈplɔːzəbəl/
apparently reasonable and credible, and therefore convincing
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
predispositionnounUS /ˌpriːdɪspəˈzɪʃən/
susceptibility to a pathogen
From this reading Still, he was distinctly satisfied, if not exactly exultant, and he went back towards the station with a strong predisposition against the Contessa di Castagneto.
on the contrary
From this reading Just outside the waiting-room, however, his assistant, Galipaud, met him with news which rather dashed his hopes, and gave a new direction to his thoughts.
filled with satisfaction
From this reading Still, he was distinctly satisfied, if not exactly exultant, and he went back towards the station with a strong predisposition against the Contessa di Castagneto.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose
From this reading Still, he was distinctly satisfied, if not exactly exultant, and he went back towards the station with a strong predisposition against the Contessa di Castagneto.
not in physical motion
From this reading Still, he was distinctly satisfied, if not exactly exultant, and he went back towards the station with a strong predisposition against the Contessa di Castagneto.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading Still, he was distinctly satisfied, if not exactly exultant, and he went back towards the station with a strong predisposition against the Contessa di Castagneto.
suggestionsnounUS /səˈdʒestʃənz/
plural of “suggestion” — an idea that is suggested
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading “Impossible!” cried the Chief, and then at once suspicion followed surprise.
an impression that something might be the case
From this reading “Impossible!” cried the Chief, and then at once suspicion followed surprise.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading “Impossible!” cried the Chief, and then at once suspicion followed surprise.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Just outside the waiting-room, however, his assistant, Galipaud, met him with news which rather dashed his hopes, and gave a new direction to his thoughts.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
in the direction of
From this reading Still, he was distinctly satisfied, if not exactly exultant, and he went back towards the station with a strong predisposition against the Contessa di Castagneto.
waiting-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Just outside the waiting-room, however, his assistant, Galipaud, met him with news which rather dashed his hopes, and gave a new direction to his thoughts.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading M. Floçon was an experienced detective, and he knew so well that he ought to be on his guard against the most plausible suggestions, that he did not like to make too much of these discoveries.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Still, he was distinctly satisfied, if not exactly exultant, and he went back towards the station with a strong predisposition against the Contessa di Castagneto.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Just outside the waiting-room, however, his assistant, Galipaud, met him with news which rather dashed his hopes, and gave a new direction to his thoughts.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Still, he was distinctly satisfied, if not exactly exultant, and he went back towards the station with a strong predisposition against the Contessa di Castagneto.
