Chapter XI · Chapter 11

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

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

the state of being absent

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

later than; following

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Everything there, books, bric-a-brac and furniture, had an individual charm for him.

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

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

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

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

plural of “attendant” — someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another

From this reading The silent, discreet ministrations of his servants charmed him, exhausted as he was at the thought of the loud loquacity of hotel attendants.

plural of “beauty” — the qualities that give pleasure to the senses

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading His bed seemed the softer by comparison with the hard bed he would have occupied in London.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

miscellaneous curios

From this reading Everything there, books, bric-a-brac and furniture, had an individual charm for him.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading His bed seemed the softer by comparison with the hard bed he would have occupied in London.

attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates

From this reading Everything there, books, bric-a-brac and furniture, had an individual charm for him.

strongly attracted

From this reading The silent, discreet ministrations of his servants charmed him, exhausted as he was at the thought of the loud loquacity of hotel attendants.

plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

the act of examining resemblances

From this reading His bed seemed the softer by comparison with the hard bed he would have occupied in London.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

past form of “contemplate” — look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

a potent estrogen used in medicine and in feed for livestock and poultry

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint

From this reading The silent, discreet ministrations of his servants charmed him, exhausted as he was at the thought of the loud loquacity of hotel attendants.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

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

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading Everything there, books, bric-a-brac and furniture, had an individual charm for him.

drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted

From this reading The silent, discreet ministrations of his servants charmed him, exhausted as he was at the thought of the loud loquacity of hotel attendants.

having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

Not remembered; lapsed from memory.

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy

From this reading Everything there, books, bric-a-brac and furniture, had an individual charm for him.

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

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading His bed seemed the softer by comparison with the hard bed he would have occupied in London.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

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

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Everything there, books, bric-a-brac and furniture, had an individual charm for him.

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

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading The silent, discreet ministrations of his servants charmed him, exhausted as he was at the thought of the loud loquacity of hotel attendants.

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

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading Everything there, books, bric-a-brac and furniture, had an individual charm for him.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading His bed seemed the softer by comparison with the hard bed he would have occupied in London.

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 During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

the quality of being wordy and talkative

From this reading The silent, discreet ministrations of his servants charmed him, exhausted as he was at the thought of the loud loquacity of hotel attendants.

characterized by or producing sound of great volume or intensity

From this reading The silent, discreet ministrations of his servants charmed him, exhausted as he was at the thought of the loud loquacity of hotel attendants.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

plural of “ministration” — assistance in time of difficulty

From this reading The silent, discreet ministrations of his servants charmed him, exhausted as he was at the thought of the loud loquacity of hotel attendants.

originality by virtue of being refreshingly novel

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

held or filled or in use

From this reading His bed seemed the softer by comparison with the hard bed he would have occupied in London.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

detected by instinct or inference rather than by recognized perceptual cues

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

an amount of time

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

relatively long in duration; tediously protracted

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

past form of “purchase” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

restored to a new condition

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading His bed seemed the softer by comparison with the hard bed he would have occupied in London.

tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

being or feeling set or kept apart from others

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading The silent, discreet ministrations of his servants charmed him, exhausted as he was at the thought of the loud loquacity of hotel attendants.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading The silent, discreet ministrations of his servants charmed him, exhausted as he was at the thought of the loud loquacity of hotel attendants.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

comparative of “soft” — yielding readily to pressure or weight

From this reading His bed seemed the softer by comparison with the hard bed he would have occupied in London.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

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

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Everything there, books, bric-a-brac and furniture, had an individual charm for him.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

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

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

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

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

make physical contact with, come in contact with

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Under the touch of this sentiment, these objects possessed a renewed novelty to his mind, and he perceived in them beauties forgotten since the time he had purchased them.

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

From this reading The silent, discreet ministrations of his servants charmed him, exhausted as he was at the thought of the loud loquacity of hotel attendants.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading During the days following his return, Des Esseintes contemplated his books and experienced, at the thought that he might have been separated from them for a long period, a satisfaction as complete as that which comes after a protracted absence.

in the company of; together with

From this reading His bed seemed the softer by comparison with the hard bed he would have occupied in London.

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

From this reading His bed seemed the softer by comparison with the hard bed he would have occupied in London.