Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading They soon wished themselves back again, and after a month had passed they said it was much more beautiful down below and pleasanter to be at home.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Now that they were grown-up girls and could go when they pleased, they had become quite indifferent about it.

later than; following

From this reading They soon wished themselves back again, and after a month had passed they said it was much more beautiful down below and pleasanter to be at home.

anew

From this reading They soon wished themselves back again, and after a month had passed they said it was much more beautiful down below and pleasanter to be at home.

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

From this reading Each of the sisters, when first she had permission to rise to the surface, was delighted with the new and beautiful sights.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

move towards

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

weapons considered collectively

From this reading Yet often, in the evening hours, the five sisters would twine their arms about each other and rise to the surface together.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading They soon wished themselves back again, and after a month had passed they said it was much more beautiful down below and pleasanter to be at home.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading They soon wished themselves back again, and after a month had passed they said it was much more beautiful down below and pleasanter to be at home.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading They soon wished themselves back again, and after a month had passed they said it was much more beautiful down below and pleasanter to be at home.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading Each of the sisters, when first she had permission to rise to the surface, was delighted with the new and beautiful sights.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Now that they were grown-up girls and could go when they pleased, they had become quite indifferent about it.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

a solicitation for money or food (especially in the street by an apparently penniless person)

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading They soon wished themselves back again, and after a month had passed they said it was much more beautiful down below and pleasanter to be at home.

the lower side of anything

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

pleasing or delighting

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Now that they were grown-up girls and could go when they pleased, they had become quite indifferent about it.

greatly pleased

From this reading Each of the sisters, when first she had permission to rise to the surface, was delighted with the new and beautiful sights.

plural of “delight” — a feeling of extreme pleasure or satisfaction

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

(plural) the deepest and most remote part

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading They soon wished themselves back again, and after a month had passed they said it was much more beautiful down below and pleasanter to be at home.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Each of the sisters, when first she had permission to rise to the surface, was delighted with the new and beautiful sights.

capturing interest as if by a spell

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading Yet often, in the evening hours, the five sisters would twine their arms about each other and rise to the surface together.

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

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Each of the sisters, when first she had permission to rise to the surface, was delighted with the new and beautiful sights.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading Yet often, in the evening hours, the five sisters would twine their arms about each other and rise to the surface together.

set up or found

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

plural of “girl” — a young female

From this reading Now that they were grown-up girls and could go when they pleased, they had become quite indifferent about it.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Now that they were grown-up girls and could go when they pleased, they had become quite indifferent about it.

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

From this reading Now that they were grown-up girls and could go when they pleased, they had become quite indifferent about it.

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

From this reading Each of the sisters, when first she had permission to rise to the surface, was delighted with the new and beautiful sights.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading They soon wished themselves back again, and after a month had passed they said it was much more beautiful down below and pleasanter to be at home.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading Yet often, in the evening hours, the five sisters would twine their arms about each other and rise to the surface together.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

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

From this reading Yet often, in the evening hours, the five sisters would twine their arms about each other and rise to the surface together.

marked by a lack of interest

From this reading Now that they were grown-up girls and could go when they pleased, they had become quite indifferent about it.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Now that they were grown-up girls and could go when they pleased, they had become quite indifferent about it.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year

From this reading They soon wished themselves back again, and after a month had passed they said it was much more beautiful down below and pleasanter to be at home.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading They soon wished themselves back again, and after a month had passed they said it was much more beautiful down below and pleasanter to be at home.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading They soon wished themselves back again, and after a month had passed they said it was much more beautiful down below and pleasanter to be at home.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Each of the sisters, when first she had permission to rise to the surface, was delighted with the new and beautiful sights.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Now that they were grown-up girls and could go when they pleased, they had become quite indifferent about it.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Each of the sisters, when first she had permission to rise to the surface, was delighted with the new and beautiful sights.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Yet often, in the evening hours, the five sisters would twine their arms about each other and rise to the surface together.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Yet often, in the evening hours, the five sisters would twine their arms about each other and rise to the surface together.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading They soon wished themselves back again, and after a month had passed they said it was much more beautiful down below and pleasanter to be at home.

approval to do something

From this reading Each of the sisters, when first she had permission to rise to the surface, was delighted with the new and beautiful sights.

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

From this reading They soon wished themselves back again, and after a month had passed they said it was much more beautiful down below and pleasanter to be at home.

experiencing or manifesting pleasure

From this reading Now that they were grown-up girls and could go when they pleased, they had become quite indifferent about it.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Now that they were grown-up girls and could go when they pleased, they had become quite indifferent about it.

move upward

From this reading Each of the sisters, when first she had permission to rise to the surface, was delighted with the new and beautiful sights.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading They soon wished themselves back again, and after a month had passed they said it was much more beautiful down below and pleasanter to be at home.

inflected form of “sink” — fall or descend to a lower place or level

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Each of the sisters, when first she had permission to rise to the surface, was delighted with the new and beautiful sights.

transport commercially

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

an optical instrument for aiding the eye in aiming, as on a firearm or surveying instrument

From this reading Each of the sisters, when first she had permission to rise to the surface, was delighted with the new and beautiful sights.

the act of singing vocal music

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person

From this reading Each of the sisters, when first she had permission to rise to the surface, was delighted with the new and beautiful sights.

plural of “song” — a short musical composition with words

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

in the near future

From this reading They soon wished themselves back again, and after a month had passed they said it was much more beautiful down below and pleasanter to be at home.

behave violently, as if in state of a great anger

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading Each of the sisters, when first she had permission to rise to the surface, was delighted with the new and beautiful sights.

inflected form of “swim” — travel through water

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Now that they were grown-up girls and could go when they pleased, they had become quite indifferent about it.

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

From this reading Each of the sisters, when first she had permission to rise to the surface, was delighted with the new and beautiful sights.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Yet often, in the evening hours, the five sisters would twine their arms about each other and rise to the surface together.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading They soon wished themselves back again, and after a month had passed they said it was much more beautiful down below and pleasanter to be at home.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Now that they were grown-up girls and could go when they pleased, they had become quite indifferent about it.

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

From this reading Each of the sisters, when first she had permission to rise to the surface, was delighted with the new and beautiful sights.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading Yet often, in the evening hours, the five sisters would twine their arms about each other and rise to the surface together.

spin, wind, or twist together

From this reading Yet often, in the evening hours, the five sisters would twine their arms about each other and rise to the surface together.

a tube in which a body fluid circulates

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

plural of “voyager” — a traveler to a distant land (especially one who travels by sea)

From this reading Their voices were more charming than that of any human being, and before the approach of a storm, when they feared that a ship might be lost, they swam before the vessel, singing enchanting songs of the delights to be found in the depths of the sea and begging the voyagers not to fear if they sank to the bottom.

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

From this reading Each of the sisters, when first she had permission to rise to the surface, was delighted with the new and beautiful sights.

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

From this reading Now that they were grown-up girls and could go when they pleased, they had become quite indifferent about it.

at the time that

From this reading Each of the sisters, when first she had permission to rise to the surface, was delighted with the new and beautiful sights.

past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish

From this reading They soon wished themselves back again, and after a month had passed they said it was much more beautiful down below and pleasanter to be at home.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Each of the sisters, when first she had permission to rise to the surface, was delighted with the new and beautiful sights.

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

From this reading Yet often, in the evening hours, the five sisters would twine their arms about each other and rise to the surface together.

but in spite of that

From this reading Yet often, in the evening hours, the five sisters would twine their arms about each other and rise to the surface together.