used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading As he spoke French had been watching his companion, not with inimical intent, but as a matter of mere habit.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
amountingverbUS /əˈmaʊntɪŋ/
-ing form of “amount” — be tantamount or equivalent to
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
apprehensionnounUS /ˌæprɪˈhenʃən/
fearful expectation or anticipation
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As he spoke French had been watching his companion, not with inimical intent, but as a matter of mere habit.
the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading French decided at once to be more careful in his examination than he had intended.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading As he spoke French had been watching his companion, not with inimical intent, but as a matter of mere habit.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading As he spoke French had been watching his companion, not with inimical intent, but as a matter of mere habit.
exercising caution or showing care or attention
From this reading French decided at once to be more careful in his examination than he had intended.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading As he spoke French had been watching his companion, not with inimical intent, but as a matter of mere habit.
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
CriminaladjectiveUS /ˈkrɪmənəl/
bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
recognizable; marked
From this reading French decided at once to be more careful in his examination than he had intended.
DepartmentnounUS /dɪˈpɑːrtmənt/
a specialized division of a large organization
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
encouraginglyadverb
in an encouraging manner
From this reading Whymper murmured encouragingly.
examinationnounUS /ɪɡˌzæməˈneɪʃən/
the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)
From this reading French decided at once to be more careful in his examination than he had intended.
make plain and comprehensible
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
opinion or judgment
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
an established custom
From this reading As he spoke French had been watching his companion, not with inimical intent, but as a matter of mere habit.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading As he spoke French had been watching his companion, not with inimical intent, but as a matter of mere habit.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As he spoke French had been watching his companion, not with inimical intent, but as a matter of mere habit.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading As he spoke French had been watching his companion, not with inimical intent, but as a matter of mere habit.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
inimicaladjectiveUS /ˌɪˈnɪmɪkəl/
not friendly
From this reading As he spoke French had been watching his companion, not with inimical intent, but as a matter of mere habit.
inspectornounUS /ˌɪnˈspektər/
a high ranking police officer
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading French decided at once to be more careful in his examination than he had intended.
intentnounUS /ˌɪnˈtent/
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading As he spoke French had been watching his companion, not with inimical intent, but as a matter of mere habit.
having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
InvestigationnounUS /ˌɪnvestəˈɡeɪʃən/
an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading As he spoke French had been watching his companion, not with inimical intent, but as a matter of mere habit.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading As he spoke French had been watching his companion, not with inimical intent, but as a matter of mere habit.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading French decided at once to be more careful in his examination than he had intended.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
past form of “murmur” — speak softly or indistinctly
From this reading Whymper murmured encouragingly.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading As he spoke French had been watching his companion, not with inimical intent, but as a matter of mere habit.
an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
on one occasion
From this reading French decided at once to be more careful in his examination than he had intended.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
paledverbUS /peɪld/
past form of “pale” — turn pale, as if in fear
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
perceptiblyadverb
in a noticeable manner
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain; famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
searchinglyadverb
in a searching manner
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading As he spoke French had been watching his companion, not with inimical intent, but as a matter of mere habit.
strictestadjectiveUS /ˈstrɪktəst/
superlative of “strict” — rigidly accurate; allowing no deviation from a standard
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading French decided at once to be more careful in his examination than he had intended.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
uneasilyadverbUS /əˈniːzəli/
with anxiety or apprehension
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
precisely as stated
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading As he spoke French had been watching his companion, not with inimical intent, but as a matter of mere habit.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
Whymper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Whymper murmured encouragingly.
in the company of; together with
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading He was surprised and interested to notice a look of apprehension amounting almost to fear in the young man’s eyes, while his face paled perceptibly, and he moved uneasily in his seat.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “I must explain in the very strictest confidence,” French went on, glancing searchingly at the other, “that I am an inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of New Scotland Yard, and it is in connection with an investigation I am making that I want your assistance.”
