used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading All the neighbouring nobility were invited, and the gates of the castle were thrown open for a general rejoicing.
abstractedadjectiveUS /ˈæbstræktɪd/
lost in thought; showing preoccupation
From this reading The marquis, notwithstanding the gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments, and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his heart was visible in his countenance.
(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 All the neighbouring nobility were invited, and the gates of the castle were thrown open for a general rejoicing.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The day of the festival, so long and so impatiently looked for by Julia, was now arrived.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The marquis, notwithstanding the gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments, and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his heart was visible in his countenance.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading The day of the festival, so long and so impatiently looked for by Julia, was now arrived.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The marquis, notwithstanding the gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments, and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his heart was visible in his countenance.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The day of the festival, so long and so impatiently looked for by Julia, was now arrived.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading All the neighbouring nobility were invited, and the gates of the castle were thrown open for a general rejoicing.
cheerfulnessnounUS /ˈtʃɪrfəlnəs/
the quality of being cheerful and dispelling gloom
From this reading The marquis, notwithstanding the gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments, and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his heart was visible in his countenance.
consistingverbUS /kənˈsɪstɪŋ/
-ing form of “consist” — originate
From this reading A magnificent entertainment, consisting of the most luxurious and expensive dishes, was served in the halls.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading The marquis, notwithstanding the gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments, and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his heart was visible in his countenance.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The day of the festival, so long and so impatiently looked for by Julia, was now arrived.
decorationsnounUS /ˌdekərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “decoration” — something used to beautify
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
dishesnounUS /ˈdɪʃəz/
plural of “dish” — a piece of dishware normally used as a container for holding or serving food
From this reading A magnificent entertainment, consisting of the most luxurious and expensive dishes, was served in the halls.
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading The marquis, notwithstanding the gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments, and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his heart was visible in his countenance.
enjoymentsnounUS /enˈdʒɔɪmənts/
plural of “enjoyment” — the pleasure felt when having a good time
From this reading The marquis, notwithstanding the gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments, and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his heart was visible in his countenance.
entertainmentnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/
an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading A magnificent entertainment, consisting of the most luxurious and expensive dishes, was served in the halls.
expensiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspensɪv/
high in price or charging high prices
From this reading A magnificent entertainment, consisting of the most luxurious and expensive dishes, was served in the halls.
fabricnounUS /ˈfæbrɪk/
artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
festivalnounUS /ˈfestəvəl/
a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration
From this reading The day of the festival, so long and so impatiently looked for by Julia, was now arrived.
floatedverbUS /ˈfloʊtəd/
past form of “float” — be in motion due to some air or water current
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The day of the festival, so long and so impatiently looked for by Julia, was now arrived.
many times at short intervals
From this reading The marquis, notwithstanding the gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments, and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his heart was visible in his countenance.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The marquis, notwithstanding the gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments, and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his heart was visible in his countenance.
gaietynoun
a gay feeling
From this reading The marquis, notwithstanding the gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments, and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his heart was visible in his countenance.
United States computer entrepreneur whose software company made him the youngest multi-billionaire in the history of the United States (born in 1955)
From this reading All the neighbouring nobility were invited, and the gates of the castle were thrown open for a general rejoicing.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading All the neighbouring nobility were invited, and the gates of the castle were thrown open for a general rejoicing.
depressingly dark
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
hallsnounUS /hɔːlz/
plural of “hall” — an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading A magnificent entertainment, consisting of the most luxurious and expensive dishes, was served in the halls.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading The marquis, notwithstanding the gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments, and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his heart was visible in his countenance.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The marquis, notwithstanding the gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments, and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his heart was visible in his countenance.
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
impatientlyadverbUS /ˌɪmˈpeɪʃəntli/
with impatience; in an impatient manner
From this reading The day of the festival, so long and so impatiently looked for by Julia, was now arrived.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A magnificent entertainment, consisting of the most luxurious and expensive dishes, was served in the halls.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of
From this reading All the neighbouring nobility were invited, and the gates of the castle were thrown open for a general rejoicing.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The marquis, notwithstanding the gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments, and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his heart was visible in his countenance.
Julia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The day of the festival, so long and so impatiently looked for by Julia, was now arrived.
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 The day of the festival, so long and so impatiently looked for by Julia, was now arrived.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The day of the festival, so long and so impatiently looked for by Julia, was now arrived.
luxuriousadjectiveUS /ləɡˈʒɜːriəs/
displaying luxury and furnishing gratification to the senses
From this reading A magnificent entertainment, consisting of the most luxurious and expensive dishes, was served in the halls.
magiciannounUS /məˈdʒɪʃ.ən/
A practitioner of magic and ancient arcane arts, often wielding deception and powerful spells.
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
characterized by grandeur
From this reading A magnificent entertainment, consisting of the most luxurious and expensive dishes, was served in the halls.
humorist who wrote about the imaginary life of cockroaches (1878-1937)
From this reading The marquis, notwithstanding the gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments, and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his heart was visible in his countenance.
a feeling of thoughtful sadness
From this reading The marquis, notwithstanding the gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments, and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his heart was visible in his countenance.
metamorphosed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
used to form the superlative
From this reading A magnificent entertainment, consisting of the most luxurious and expensive dishes, was served in the halls.
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
neighbouringverbUS /ˈneɪbərɪŋ/
-ing form of “neighbour” — live or be located as a neighbor
From this reading All the neighbouring nobility were invited, and the gates of the castle were thrown open for a general rejoicing.
nobilitynounUS /noʊˈbɪləti/
a privileged class holding hereditary titles
From this reading All the neighbouring nobility were invited, and the gates of the castle were thrown open for a general rejoicing.
despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)
From this reading The marquis, notwithstanding the gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments, and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his heart was visible in his countenance.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The day of the festival, so long and so impatiently looked for by Julia, was now arrived.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The day of the festival, so long and so impatiently looked for by Julia, was now arrived.
on one occasion
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading All the neighbouring nobility were invited, and the gates of the castle were thrown open for a general rejoicing.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
rejoicingnounUS /rɪˈdʒɔɪsɪŋ/
a feeling of great happiness
From this reading All the neighbouring nobility were invited, and the gates of the castle were thrown open for a general rejoicing.
roofsnounUS /ruːfs/
plural of “roof” — a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
the place where some action occurs
From this reading The marquis, notwithstanding the gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments, and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his heart was visible in his countenance.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading A magnificent entertainment, consisting of the most luxurious and expensive dishes, was served in the halls.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The day of the festival, so long and so impatiently looked for by Julia, was now arrived.
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading The marquis, notwithstanding the gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments, and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his heart was visible in his countenance.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The day of the festival, so long and so impatiently looked for by Julia, was now arrived.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading All the neighbouring nobility were invited, and the gates of the castle were thrown open for a general rejoicing.
vaultedadjectiveUS /ˈvɔːltɪd/
having a hemispherical vault or dome
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading The marquis, notwithstanding the gaiety of the scene, frequently appeared abstracted from its enjoyments, and in spite of all his efforts at cheerfulness, the melancholy of his heart was visible in his countenance.
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The day of the festival, so long and so impatiently looked for by Julia, was now arrived.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading All the neighbouring nobility were invited, and the gates of the castle were thrown open for a general rejoicing.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Soft music floated along the vaulted roofs, the walls were hung with decorations, and it seemed as if the hand of a magician had suddenly metamorphosed this once gloomy fabric into the palace of a fairy.
