used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
abusedadjectiveUS /əˈbjuːzd/
used improperly or excessively especially drugs
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His commission had been to discover the murderer of Annie Evans, and, according to the best of his lights, he had executed that commission.
Annie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His commission had been to discover the murderer of Annie Evans, and, according to the best of his lights, he had executed that commission.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He could have understood, no doubt, no reason for his feeling any.
appointmentnounUS /əˈpɔɪntmənt/
the act of putting a person into a non-elective position
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
awaitedadjectiveUS /əˈweɪtɪd/
expected hopefully
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
a nobleman (in various countries) of varying rank
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading His commission had been to discover the murderer of Annie Evans, and, according to the best of his lights, he had executed that commission.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading His commission had been to discover the murderer of Annie Evans, and, according to the best of his lights, he had executed that commission.
Bickerdike
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
Calvin'snounUS /ˈkælvənz/
possessive form of “calvin” — United States chemist noted for discovering the series of chemical reactions in photosynthesis (1911-)
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
CharacteristicallyadverbUS /ˌkerəktərˈɪstɪkli/
in characteristic manner
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
commissionnounUS /kəˈmɪʃən/
a special group delegated to consider some matter
From this reading His commission had been to discover the murderer of Annie Evans, and, according to the best of his lights, he had executed that commission.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He could have understood, no doubt, no reason for his feeling any.
counternounUS /ˈkaʊntər/
table consisting of a horizontal surface over which business is transacted
From this reading It was not his fault if it had led him in a direction tragically counter to the expectations of his employer.
cruellyadverbUS /ˈkruːli/
excessively
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
a police officer who investigates crimes
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading It was not his fault if it had led him in a direction tragically counter to the expectations of his employer.
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading His commission had been to discover the murderer of Annie Evans, and, according to the best of his lights, he had executed that commission.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading He could have understood, no doubt, no reason for his feeling any.
embarrassmentnounUS /ɪmˈberəsmənt/
the shame you feel when your inadequacy or guilt is made public
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
employernounUS /emˈplɔɪər/
a person or firm that employs workers
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
EvansnounUS /ˈevənz/
United States anatomist who identified four pituitary hormones and discovered vitamin E (1882-1971)
From this reading His commission had been to discover the murderer of Annie Evans, and, according to the best of his lights, he had executed that commission.
executedadjectiveUS /ˈeksəkjuːtɪd/
put to death as punishment
From this reading His commission had been to discover the murderer of Annie Evans, and, according to the best of his lights, he had executed that commission.
expectationsnounUS /ˌekspekˈteɪʃənz/
plural of “expectation” — belief about (or mental picture of) the future
From this reading It was not his fault if it had led him in a direction tragically counter to the expectations of his employer.
a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading It was not his fault if it had led him in a direction tragically counter to the expectations of his employer.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading He could have understood, no doubt, no reason for his feeling any.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He could have understood, no doubt, no reason for his feeling any.
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
set up or found
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading He could have understood, no doubt, no reason for his feeling any.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
hospitalitynounUS /ˌhɑːspəˈtæləti/
kindness in welcoming guests or strangers
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It was not his fault if it had led him in a direction tragically counter to the expectations of his employer.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was not his fault if it had led him in a direction tragically counter to the expectations of his employer.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was not his fault if it had led him in a direction tragically counter to the expectations of his employer.
a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading It was not his fault if it had led him in a direction tragically counter to the expectations of his employer.
plural of “light” — (physics) electromagnetic radiation that can produce a visual sensation
From this reading His commission had been to discover the murderer of Annie Evans, and, according to the best of his lights, he had executed that commission.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
murderernounUS /ˈmɜːrdərər/
a criminal who commits homicide (who performs the unlawful premeditated killing of another human being)
From this reading His commission had been to discover the murderer of Annie Evans, and, according to the best of his lights, he had executed that commission.
not any; not one
From this reading He could have understood, no doubt, no reason for his feeling any.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading His commission had been to discover the murderer of Annie Evans, and, according to the best of his lights, he had executed that commission.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
punctuallyadverb
at the expected or proper time
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading He could have understood, no doubt, no reason for his feeling any.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
Ridgway
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
SagenounUS /seɪdʒ/
a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
any of several noncommissioned officer ranks in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a corporal
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
term of address for a man
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading His commission had been to discover the murderer of Annie Evans, and, according to the best of his lights, he had executed that commission.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
tragicallyadverbUS /ˈtrædʒɪkli/
in a tragic manner; with tragic consequences
From this reading It was not his fault if it had led him in a direction tragically counter to the expectations of his employer.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation
From this reading He could have understood, no doubt, no reason for his feeling any.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
in or at the place that
From this reading Sergeant Ridgway, turning up punctually to his appointment, was shown into Sir Calvin’s study, where he found, not his former employer, but the Baron Le Sage, seated alone.
which person or people
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
belonging to which person
From this reading Characteristically, the detective showed as little surprise at seeing who awaited him as he did embarrassment over his return to a house whose hospitality he had, according to Mr. Bickerdike, so cruelly abused.
