Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

in the past

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

Having no one else present.

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading He had shown signs of fear on entering the room, and in his extremely black face his singularly white eyeballs had rolled around grotesquely.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

plural of “attempt” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading He had shown signs of fear on entering the room, and in his extremely black face his singularly white eyeballs had rolled around grotesquely.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This was one reason why Roddy, when he entered Braceway's room, felt sure immediately that he would receive only kindly treatment.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading I need all the cooperation I can get."

capability to perform or produce

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

an occurrence of something

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

being joined in close association

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

joint operation or action

From this reading I need all the cooperation I can get."

be contingent upon (something that is elided)

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

past form of “enter” — to come or go into

From this reading This was one reason why Roddy, when he entered Braceway's room, felt sure immediately that he would receive only kindly treatment.

a movement into or inward

From this reading He had shown signs of fear on entering the room, and in his extremely black face his singularly white eyeballs had rolled around grotesquely.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading He had shown signs of fear on entering the room, and in his extremely black face his singularly white eyeballs had rolled around grotesquely.

plural of “eyeball” — the ball-shaped capsule containing the vertebrate eye

From this reading He had shown signs of fear on entering the room, and in his extremely black face his singularly white eyeballs had rolled around grotesquely.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading He had shown signs of fear on entering the room, and in his extremely black face his singularly white eyeballs had rolled around grotesquely.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading He had shown signs of fear on entering the room, and in his extremely black face his singularly white eyeballs had rolled around grotesquely.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading This was one reason why Roddy, when he entered Braceway's room, felt sure immediately that he would receive only kindly treatment.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading I need all the cooperation I can get."

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

in a grotesque manner

From this reading He had shown signs of fear on entering the room, and in his extremely black face his singularly white eyeballs had rolled around grotesquely.

an established custom

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening

From this reading This was one reason why Roddy, when he entered Braceway's room, felt sure immediately that he would receive only kindly treatment.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity

From this reading This was one reason why Roddy, when he entered Braceway's room, felt sure immediately that he would receive only kindly treatment.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

engage in

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

the force of workers available

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

a condition requiring relief

From this reading I need all the cooperation I can get."

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading This was one reason why Roddy, when he entered Braceway's room, felt sure immediately that he would receive only kindly treatment.

and nothing more

From this reading This was one reason why Roddy, when he entered Braceway's room, felt sure immediately that he would receive only kindly treatment.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading This was one reason why Roddy, when he entered Braceway's room, felt sure immediately that he would receive only kindly treatment.

get something; come into possession of

From this reading This was one reason why Roddy, when he entered Braceway's room, felt sure immediately that he would receive only kindly treatment.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This was one reason why Roddy, when he entered Braceway's room, felt sure immediately that he would receive only kindly treatment.

especially of petals or leaves in bud; having margins rolled inward

From this reading He had shown signs of fear on entering the room, and in his extremely black face his singularly white eyeballs had rolled around grotesquely.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading This was one reason why Roddy, when he entered Braceway's room, felt sure immediately that he would receive only kindly treatment.

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

plural of “see” — the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading He had shown signs of fear on entering the room, and in his extremely black face his singularly white eyeballs had rolled around grotesquely.

the act of separating grain from chaff

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading He had shown signs of fear on entering the room, and in his extremely black face his singularly white eyeballs had rolled around grotesquely.

in a singular manner or to a singular degree

From this reading He had shown signs of fear on entering the room, and in his extremely black face his singularly white eyeballs had rolled around grotesquely.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading This was one reason why Roddy, when he entered Braceway's room, felt sure immediately that he would receive only kindly treatment.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This was one reason why Roddy, when he entered Braceway's room, felt sure immediately that he would receive only kindly treatment.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

care provided to improve a situation (especially medical procedures or applications that are intended to relieve illness or injury)

From this reading This was one reason why Roddy, when he entered Braceway's room, felt sure immediately that he would receive only kindly treatment.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

at the time that

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

a Caucasian

From this reading He had shown signs of fear on entering the room, and in his extremely black face his singularly white eyeballs had rolled around grotesquely.

which person or people

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading This was one reason why Roddy, when he entered Braceway's room, felt sure immediately that he would receive only kindly treatment.

in the company of; together with

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

plural of “witness” — someone who sees an event and reports what happened

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading BRACEWAY SEES A LIGHT Braceway had discovered long ago that the man who attempts good work as a detective must depend almost as much on his ability to make friends as he does on his capacity for sifting evidence.

a person who works at a specific occupation

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

actively engaged in paid work

From this reading "I'm a good worker," he was in the habit of saying, "but I'm not half as good working alone as I am when I have the help of all the men and women who are witnesses in a case or connected with it in some other way.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading This was one reason why Roddy, when he entered Braceway's room, felt sure immediately that he would receive only kindly treatment.