used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But they resembled those irritating odd-shaped pieces of a puzzle which refuse to fit into the remainder no matter which way they are turned.
actionsnounUS /ˈækʃənz/
plural of “action” — something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
afternoon'snounUS /ˌæftərˈnuːnz/
possessive form of “afternoon” — the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
alternativeadjectiveUS /ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪv/
serving or used in place of another
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But they resembled those irritating odd-shaped pieces of a puzzle which refuse to fit into the remainder no matter which way they are turned.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Try as he would, he could not fit his clues into harmony with the police theory of the murder.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
awakeadjectiveUS /əˈweɪk/
not in a state of sleep; completely conscious
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading Colwyn went to bed, but not to sleep.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Colwyn went to bed, but not to sleep.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
an occurrence of something
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
cluesnounUS /kluːz/
plural of “clue” — a slight indication
From this reading Try as he would, he could not fit his clues into harmony with the police theory of the murder.
Colwyn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Colwyn went to bed, but not to sleep.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Try as he would, he could not fit his clues into harmony with the police theory of the murder.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
endeavouring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
opinion or judgment
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
plural of “fact” — a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading But they resembled those irritating odd-shaped pieces of a puzzle which refuse to fit into the remainder no matter which way they are turned.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
harmonynounUS /ˈhɑːrməni/
compatibility in opinion and action
From this reading Try as he would, he could not fit his clues into harmony with the police theory of the murder.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Try as he would, he could not fit his clues into harmony with the police theory of the murder.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
investigationsnounUS /ˌɪnvestəˈɡeɪʃənz/
plural of “investigation” — an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
irritatingadjectiveUS /ˈɪrəteɪtɪŋ/
causing irritation or annoyance
From this reading But they resembled those irritating odd-shaped pieces of a puzzle which refuse to fit into the remainder no matter which way they are turned.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading But they resembled those irritating odd-shaped pieces of a puzzle which refuse to fit into the remainder no matter which way they are turned.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
kill intentionally and with premeditation
From this reading Try as he would, he could not fit his clues into harmony with the police theory of the murder.
not any; not one
From this reading But they resembled those irritating odd-shaped pieces of a puzzle which refuse to fit into the remainder no matter which way they are turned.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Colwyn went to bed, but not to sleep.
odd-shaped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But they resembled those irritating odd-shaped pieces of a puzzle which refuse to fit into the remainder no matter which way they are turned.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading But they resembled those irritating odd-shaped pieces of a puzzle which refuse to fit into the remainder no matter which way they are turned.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole
From this reading But they resembled those irritating odd-shaped pieces of a puzzle which refuse to fit into the remainder no matter which way they are turned.
the force of policemen and officers
From this reading Try as he would, he could not fit his clues into harmony with the police theory of the murder.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
puzzleverbUS /ˈpʌzəl/
be a mystery or bewildering to
From this reading But they resembled those irritating odd-shaped pieces of a puzzle which refuse to fit into the remainder no matter which way they are turned.
realisedadjectiveUS /ˈriːəlaɪzd/
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
show unwillingness towards
From this reading But they resembled those irritating odd-shaped pieces of a puzzle which refuse to fit into the remainder no matter which way they are turned.
remaindernounUS /rɪˈmeɪndər/
something left after other parts have been taken away
From this reading But they resembled those irritating odd-shaped pieces of a puzzle which refuse to fit into the remainder no matter which way they are turned.
resembledverbUS /rɪˈzembəld/
past form of “resemble” — appear like; be similar or bear a likeness to
From this reading But they resembled those irritating odd-shaped pieces of a puzzle which refuse to fit into the remainder no matter which way they are turned.
Ronald
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading Colwyn went to bed, but not to sleep.
(used of eyes) open and fixed as if in fear or wonder
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
sustainedadjectiveUS /səˈsteɪnd/
maintained at length without interruption or weakening
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena
From this reading Try as he would, he could not fit his clues into harmony with the police theory of the murder.
in or at that place or location
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But they resembled those irritating odd-shaped pieces of a puzzle which refuse to fit into the remainder no matter which way they are turned.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading But they resembled those irritating odd-shaped pieces of a puzzle which refuse to fit into the remainder no matter which way they are turned.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Colwyn went to bed, but not to sleep.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading Hour after hour he lay awake, staring into the darkness, endeavouring to put together the facts he had discovered during the afternoon's investigations at the inn.
make an effort or attempt
From this reading Try as he would, he could not fit his clues into harmony with the police theory of the murder.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading But they resembled those irritating odd-shaped pieces of a puzzle which refuse to fit into the remainder no matter which way they are turned.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading But they resembled those irritating odd-shaped pieces of a puzzle which refuse to fit into the remainder no matter which way they are turned.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Colwyn went to bed, but not to sleep.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But they resembled those irritating odd-shaped pieces of a puzzle which refuse to fit into the remainder no matter which way they are turned.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Try as he would, he could not fit his clues into harmony with the police theory of the murder.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Try as he would, he could not fit his clues into harmony with the police theory of the murder.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading On the other hand, he could not, nor did he attempt, to shut his eyes to the strong case against Ronald, for he fully realised that there was much to be explained in the young man's actions before any alternative theory to that held by the police could be sustained.
