used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
how long something has existed
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
be in accord; be in agreement
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He could not stand such excitement himself, he said, and he wanted his wife at home to cheer and solace his declining years.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading So the beautiful bridal dresses hung in the wardrobe unworn, and the costly jewels hid their brightness locked away in their caskets.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading So the beautiful bridal dresses hung in the wardrobe unworn, and the costly jewels hid their brightness locked away in their caskets.
the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
bridaladjectiveUS /ˈbraɪdəl/
of or relating to a wedding
From this reading So the beautiful bridal dresses hung in the wardrobe unworn, and the costly jewels hid their brightness locked away in their caskets.
bridegroomnounUS /ˈbraɪdɡruːm/
a man who has recently been married
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
brightnessnounUS /ˈbraɪtnəs/
the location of a visual perception along a continuum from black to white
From this reading So the beautiful bridal dresses hung in the wardrobe unworn, and the costly jewels hid their brightness locked away in their caskets.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
casketsnounUS /ˈkæskəts/
plural of “casket” — box in which a corpse is buried or cremated
From this reading So the beautiful bridal dresses hung in the wardrobe unworn, and the costly jewels hid their brightness locked away in their caskets.
give encouragement to
From this reading He could not stand such excitement himself, he said, and he wanted his wife at home to cheer and solace his declining years.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
condemnedverbUS /kənˈdemd/
past form of “condemn” — express strong disapproval of
From this reading Xenie had small need for these things in the lonely life to which she found herself condemned by her foolish, doting old husband.
costlyadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːstli/
entailing great loss or sacrifice
From this reading So the beautiful bridal dresses hung in the wardrobe unworn, and the costly jewels hid their brightness locked away in their caskets.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading He could not stand such excitement himself, he said, and he wanted his wife at home to cheer and solace his declining years.
decliningverbUS /dɪˈklaɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “decline” — grow worse
From this reading He could not stand such excitement himself, he said, and he wanted his wife at home to cheer and solace his declining years.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
dotingadjectiveUS /ˈdoʊtɪŋ/
extravagantly or foolishly loving and indulgent
From this reading Xenie had small need for these things in the lonely life to which she found herself condemned by her foolish, doting old husband.
dressesnounUS /ˈdresəz/
plural of “dress” — a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice
From this reading So the beautiful bridal dresses hung in the wardrobe unworn, and the costly jewels hid their brightness locked away in their caskets.
elderlyadjectiveUS /ˈeldərli/
advanced in years; (“aged” is pronounced as two syllables)
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading He could not stand such excitement himself, he said, and he wanted his wife at home to cheer and solace his declining years.
festivitiesnounUS /feˈstɪvətiz/
plural of “festivity” — any joyous diversion
From this reading Several months of irksome quiet to Mrs. St. John succeeded the festivities that followed upon her marriage.
fittedadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtəd/
being the right size and shape to fit as desired
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Several months of irksome quiet to Mrs. St. John succeeded the festivities that followed upon her marriage.
devoid of good sense or judgment
From this reading Xenie had small need for these things in the lonely life to which she found herself condemned by her foolish, doting old husband.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Xenie had small need for these things in the lonely life to which she found herself condemned by her foolish, doting old husband.
set up or found
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
gayeties
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Xenie had small need for these things in the lonely life to which she found herself condemned by her foolish, doting old husband.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Several months of irksome quiet to Mrs. St. John succeeded the festivities that followed upon her marriage.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Xenie had small need for these things in the lonely life to which she found herself condemned by her foolish, doting old husband.
inflected form of “hide” — prevent from being seen or discovered
From this reading So the beautiful bridal dresses hung in the wardrobe unworn, and the costly jewels hid their brightness locked away in their caskets.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He could not stand such excitement himself, he said, and he wanted his wife at home to cheer and solace his declining years.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading He could not stand such excitement himself, he said, and he wanted his wife at home to cheer and solace his declining years.
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading So the beautiful bridal dresses hung in the wardrobe unworn, and the costly jewels hid their brightness locked away in their caskets.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading Xenie had small need for these things in the lonely life to which she found herself condemned by her foolish, doting old husband.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
irksomeadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrksəm/
so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness
From this reading Several months of irksome quiet to Mrs. St. John succeeded the festivities that followed upon her marriage.
jewelsnounUS /ˈdʒuːəlz/
plural of “jewel” — a precious or semiprecious stone incorporated into a piece of jewelry
From this reading So the beautiful bridal dresses hung in the wardrobe unworn, and the costly jewels hid their brightness locked away in their caskets.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading Several months of irksome quiet to Mrs. St. John succeeded the festivities that followed upon her marriage.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Xenie had small need for these things in the lonely life to which she found herself condemned by her foolish, doting old husband.
past form of “lock” — fasten with a lock
From this reading So the beautiful bridal dresses hung in the wardrobe unworn, and the costly jewels hid their brightness locked away in their caskets.
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading Xenie had small need for these things in the lonely life to which she found herself condemned by her foolish, doting old husband.
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading Several months of irksome quiet to Mrs. St. John succeeded the festivities that followed upon her marriage.
plural of “month” — one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading Several months of irksome quiet to Mrs. St. John succeeded the festivities that followed upon her marriage.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Several months of irksome quiet to Mrs. St. John succeeded the festivities that followed upon her marriage.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading Xenie had small need for these things in the lonely life to which she found herself condemned by her foolish, doting old husband.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
obstinacynounUS /ˈɑːbstənəsi/
the trait of being difficult to handle or overcome
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Several months of irksome quiet to Mrs. St. John succeeded the festivities that followed upon her marriage.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
participationnounUS /pɑːrˌtɪsəˈpeɪʃən/
the act of sharing in the activities of a group
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
pre-eminentlyadverb
to a preeminent degree; with superiority or distinction above others; in a preeminent manner
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
prohibitedadjectiveUS /proʊˈhɪbətəd/
excluded from use or mention
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
protractedadjectiveUS /proʊˈtræktɪd/
relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading Several months of irksome quiet to Mrs. St. John succeeded the festivities that followed upon her marriage.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading He could not stand such excitement himself, he said, and he wanted his wife at home to cheer and solace his declining years.
plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
selfishadjectiveUS /ˈselfɪʃ/
concerned chiefly or only with yourself and your advantage to the exclusion of others
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading Several months of irksome quiet to Mrs. St. John succeeded the festivities that followed upon her marriage.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
shineverbUS /ʃaɪn/
be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Xenie had small need for these things in the lonely life to which she found herself condemned by her foolish, doting old husband.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
solacenounUS /ˈsɑːləs/
the comfort you feel when consoled in times of disappointment
From this reading He could not stand such excitement himself, he said, and he wanted his wife at home to cheer and solace his declining years.
St
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Several months of irksome quiet to Mrs. St. John succeeded the festivities that followed upon her marriage.
be standing; be upright
From this reading He could not stand such excitement himself, he said, and he wanted his wife at home to cheer and solace his declining years.
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading Several months of irksome quiet to Mrs. St. John succeeded the festivities that followed upon her marriage.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading He could not stand such excitement himself, he said, and he wanted his wife at home to cheer and solace his declining years.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Several months of irksome quiet to Mrs. St. John succeeded the festivities that followed upon her marriage.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Several months of irksome quiet to Mrs. St. John succeeded the festivities that followed upon her marriage.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading So the beautiful bridal dresses hung in the wardrobe unworn, and the costly jewels hid their brightness locked away in their caskets.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Xenie had small need for these things in the lonely life to which she found herself condemned by her foolish, doting old husband.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Xenie had small need for these things in the lonely life to which she found herself condemned by her foolish, doting old husband.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Several months of irksome quiet to Mrs. St. John succeeded the festivities that followed upon her marriage.
unworn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So the beautiful bridal dresses hung in the wardrobe unworn, and the costly jewels hid their brightness locked away in their caskets.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Several months of irksome quiet to Mrs. St. John succeeded the festivities that followed upon her marriage.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading He could not stand such excitement himself, he said, and he wanted his wife at home to cheer and solace his declining years.
wardrobenounUS /ˈwɔːrdroʊb/
a tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes
From this reading So the beautiful bridal dresses hung in the wardrobe unworn, and the costly jewels hid their brightness locked away in their caskets.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
Xenie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Xenie had small need for these things in the lonely life to which she found herself condemned by her foolish, doting old husband.
a late time of life
From this reading He could not stand such excitement himself, he said, and he wanted his wife at home to cheer and solace his declining years.
a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading Her elderly bridegroom found that protracted gayeties did not agree with his age and health, and with the obstinacy common to a selfish old age, he prohibited his wife from participation in those scenes of pleasure in which, by reason of her youth and beauty, she was so pre-eminently fitted to shine.
