used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
altarnounUS /ˈɔːltər/
the table in Christian churches where communion is given
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
a distinct feature or element in a problem
From this reading The rest of the church, the greater part of it, which it would have been vain to decorate, kept its cold, marbled, and imposing aspect.
azaleasnounUS /əˈzeɪljəz/
plural of “azalea” — any of numerous ornamental shrubs grown for their showy flowers of various colors
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The rest of the church, the greater part of it, which it would have been vain to decorate, kept its cold, marbled, and imposing aspect.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
bloomnounUS /bluːm/
the organic process of bearing flowers
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
carpetsnounUS /ˈkɑːrpəts/
plural of “carpet” — floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)
From this reading Some soft dark carpets descended from the altar as far as the first row of seats.
centraladjectiveUS /ˈsentrəl/
serving as an essential component
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
clumpsnounUS /klʌmps/
plural of “clump” — a grouping of a number of similar things
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading The rest of the church, the greater part of it, which it would have been vain to decorate, kept its cold, marbled, and imposing aspect.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Some soft dark carpets descended from the altar as far as the first row of seats.
decorateverbUS /ˈdekəreɪt/
make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
From this reading The rest of the church, the greater part of it, which it would have been vain to decorate, kept its cold, marbled, and imposing aspect.
dedicatedadjectiveUS /ˈdedəkeɪtəd/
devoted to a cause or ideal or purpose
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
del
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
From this reading Some soft dark carpets descended from the altar as far as the first row of seats.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Some soft dark carpets descended from the altar as far as the first row of seats.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Some soft dark carpets descended from the altar as far as the first row of seats.
a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
frequentverbUS /ˈfriːkwənt/
do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Some soft dark carpets descended from the altar as far as the first row of seats.
brought together in one place
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading The rest of the church, the greater part of it, which it would have been vain to decorate, kept its cold, marbled, and imposing aspect.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The rest of the church, the greater part of it, which it would have been vain to decorate, kept its cold, marbled, and imposing aspect.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
impatiencenounUS /ˌɪmˈpeɪʃəns/
a lack of patience; irritation with anything that causes delay
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
imposingadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpoʊzɪŋ/
impressive in appearance
From this reading The rest of the church, the greater part of it, which it would have been vain to decorate, kept its cold, marbled, and imposing aspect.
past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The rest of the church, the greater part of it, which it would have been vain to decorate, kept its cold, marbled, and imposing aspect.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The rest of the church, the greater part of it, which it would have been vain to decorate, kept its cold, marbled, and imposing aspect.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading The rest of the church, the greater part of it, which it would have been vain to decorate, kept its cold, marbled, and imposing aspect.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
leafnounUS /liːf/
the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
limpidadjective
clear and bright
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
marbledadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːrbəld/
patterned with veins or streaks or color resembling marble
From this reading The rest of the church, the greater part of it, which it would have been vain to decorate, kept its cold, marbled, and imposing aspect.
a dark region of considerable extent on the surface of the moon
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
navenounUS /neɪv/
the central area of a church
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
palmsnounUS /pɑːmz/
plural of “palm” — the inner surface of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
accept an excuse for
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading The rest of the church, the greater part of it, which it would have been vain to decorate, kept its cold, marbled, and imposing aspect.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
politelyadverbUS /pəˈlaɪtli/
in a polite manner
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
Popolo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
preservedadjectiveUS /prəˈzɜːrvd/
prevented from decaying or spoiling and prepared for future use
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
restrainingverbUS /riˈstreɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “restrain” — to close within bounds, or otherwise limit or deprive of free movement
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
RomanadjectiveUS /ˈroʊmən/
relating to or characteristic of people of Rome
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
From this reading Some soft dark carpets descended from the altar as far as the first row of seats.
SantanounUS /ˈsæntə/
the legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at Christmas
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
seatsnounUS /siːts/
an area that includes places where several people can sit
From this reading Some soft dark carpets descended from the altar as far as the first row of seats.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading Some soft dark carpets descended from the altar as far as the first row of seats.
solitudenounUS /ˈsɑːlətuːd/
a state of social isolation
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Some soft dark carpets descended from the altar as far as the first row of seats.
the season of growth
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
templesnounUS /ˈtempəlz/
plural of “temple” — place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
the upper part of anything
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
in the direction of
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading The rest of the church, the greater part of it, which it would have been vain to decorate, kept its cold, marbled, and imposing aspect.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
look attentively
From this reading Now and then the guests, politely restraining their impatience, turned towards the great door, which was open to the limpid spring sky, to watch if the couple, already late, had arrived.
the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
in or at the place that
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The rest of the church, the greater part of it, which it would have been vain to decorate, kept its cold, marbled, and imposing aspect.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
Whisperings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE PARDON I Whisperings, now slow now more frequent, filled the top of the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Popolo, where the guests invited to the wedding were gathered before the high altar, while the rest of the large central nave preserved the usual solitude and silence of Roman temples.
a Caucasian
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Around the high altar were placed large clumps of palms, and white azaleas with such a wealth of bloom that they seemed as white as snow, without the shadow of a leaf between flower and flower.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The rest of the church, the greater part of it, which it would have been vain to decorate, kept its cold, marbled, and imposing aspect.
