used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading One was Hipponicus, a man of noble birth, in whose hospitable house Aspasia lived.
agriculturenounUS /ˈæɡrɪkʌltʃər/
a large-scale farming enterprise
From this reading Hipponicus traced his lineage back to no less a personage than Triptolemus, the favorite of Demeter, the founder of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the teacher of agriculture and all kinds of civilization.
(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 Hipponicus traced his lineage back to no less a personage than Triptolemus, the favorite of Demeter, the founder of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the teacher of agriculture and all kinds of civilization.
in addition
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
AmongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The other was Pyrilampes, an upstart, a money-changer from the Piræeus, who had grown rich.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
Aspasia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One was Hipponicus, a man of noble birth, in whose hospitable house Aspasia lived.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
AthensnounUS /ˈæθənz/
the capital and largest city of Greece; named after Athena (its patron goddess)
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Hipponicus traced his lineage back to no less a personage than Triptolemus, the favorite of Demeter, the founder of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the teacher of agriculture and all kinds of civilization.
the time when something begins (especially life)
From this reading One was Hipponicus, a man of noble birth, in whose hospitable house Aspasia lived.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
citizensnounUS /ˈsɪtəzənz/
plural of “citizen” — a native or naturalized member of a state or other political community
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
civilizationnounUS /ˌsɪvəlɪˈzeɪʃən/
a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)
From this reading Hipponicus traced his lineage back to no less a personage than Triptolemus, the favorite of Demeter, the founder of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the teacher of agriculture and all kinds of civilization.
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
DemeternounUS /dɪˈmiːtər/
(Greek mythology) goddess of fertility and protector of marriage in ancient mythology; counterpart of Roman Ceres
From this reading Hipponicus traced his lineage back to no less a personage than Triptolemus, the favorite of Demeter, the founder of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the teacher of agriculture and all kinds of civilization.
displaynounUS /dɪˈspleɪ/
something intended to communicate a particular impression
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
Eleusinian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hipponicus traced his lineage back to no less a personage than Triptolemus, the favorite of Demeter, the founder of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the teacher of agriculture and all kinds of civilization.
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
favoritenounUS /ˈfeɪvərɪt/
something regarded with special favor or liking
From this reading Hipponicus traced his lineage back to no less a personage than Triptolemus, the favorite of Demeter, the founder of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the teacher of agriculture and all kinds of civilization.
foundernounUS /ˈfaʊndər/
inflammation of the laminated tissue that attaches the hoof to the foot of a horse
From this reading Hipponicus traced his lineage back to no less a personage than Triptolemus, the favorite of Demeter, the founder of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the teacher of agriculture and all kinds of civilization.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The other was Pyrilampes, an upstart, a money-changer from the Piræeus, who had grown rich.
giftsnounUS /ɡɪfts/
plural of “gift” — something acquired without compensation
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
(of animals) fully developed
From this reading The other was Pyrilampes, an upstart, a money-changer from the Piræeus, who had grown rich.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The other was Pyrilampes, an upstart, a money-changer from the Piræeus, who had grown rich.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
Hipponicus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One was Hipponicus, a man of noble birth, in whose hospitable house Aspasia lived.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Hipponicus traced his lineage back to no less a personage than Triptolemus, the favorite of Demeter, the founder of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the teacher of agriculture and all kinds of civilization.
used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
hospitableadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːˈspɪtəbəl/
favorable to life and growth
From this reading One was Hipponicus, a man of noble birth, in whose hospitable house Aspasia lived.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading One was Hipponicus, a man of noble birth, in whose hospitable house Aspasia lived.
a social unit living together
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading Hipponicus traced his lineage back to no less a personage than Triptolemus, the favorite of Demeter, the founder of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the teacher of agriculture and all kinds of civilization.
lavishadjectiveUS /ˈlævɪʃ/
very generous
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Hipponicus traced his lineage back to no less a personage than Triptolemus, the favorite of Demeter, the founder of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the teacher of agriculture and all kinds of civilization.
lineagenounUS /ˈlɪniədʒ/
the descendants of one individual
From this reading Hipponicus traced his lineage back to no less a personage than Triptolemus, the favorite of Demeter, the founder of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the teacher of agriculture and all kinds of civilization.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading One was Hipponicus, a man of noble birth, in whose hospitable house Aspasia lived.
characterized by grandeur
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading One was Hipponicus, a man of noble birth, in whose hospitable house Aspasia lived.
the force of workers available
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
money-changer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The other was Pyrilampes, an upstart, a money-changer from the Piræeus, who had grown rich.
MysteriesnounUS /ˈmɪstəriz/
plural of “mystery” — something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading Hipponicus traced his lineage back to no less a personage than Triptolemus, the favorite of Demeter, the founder of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the teacher of agriculture and all kinds of civilization.
narratedverbUS /ˈnereɪtɪd/
past form of “narrate” — provide commentary for a film, for example
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
not any; not one
From this reading Hipponicus traced his lineage back to no less a personage than Triptolemus, the favorite of Demeter, the founder of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the teacher of agriculture and all kinds of civilization.
nobleadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊbəl/
impressive in appearance
From this reading One was Hipponicus, a man of noble birth, in whose hospitable house Aspasia lived.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One was Hipponicus, a man of noble birth, in whose hospitable house Aspasia lived.
and nothing more
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
PEACOCKSnounUS /ˈpiːkɑːks/
plural of “peacock” — European butterfly having reddish-brown wings each marked with a purple eyespot
From this reading PYRILAMPES’ PEACOCKS.
personagenoun
another word for person; a person not meriting identification
From this reading Hipponicus traced his lineage back to no less a personage than Triptolemus, the favorite of Demeter, the founder of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the teacher of agriculture and all kinds of civilization.
Piræeus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The other was Pyrilampes, an upstart, a money-changer from the Piræeus, who had grown rich.
prominentadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːmənənt/
having a quality that thrusts itself into attention
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
PYRILAMPES
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading PYRILAMPES’ PEACOCKS.
possessing material wealth
From this reading The other was Pyrilampes, an upstart, a money-changer from the Piræeus, who had grown rich.
stroveverbUS /stroʊv/
inflected form of “strive” — attempt by employing effort
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
a person whose occupation is teaching
From this reading Hipponicus traced his lineage back to no less a personage than Triptolemus, the favorite of Demeter, the founder of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the teacher of agriculture and all kinds of civilization.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Hipponicus traced his lineage back to no less a personage than Triptolemus, the favorite of Demeter, the founder of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the teacher of agriculture and all kinds of civilization.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
tracedverbUS /treɪst/
past form of “trace” — follow, discover, or ascertain the course of development of something
From this reading Hipponicus traced his lineage back to no less a personage than Triptolemus, the favorite of Demeter, the founder of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the teacher of agriculture and all kinds of civilization.
Triptolemus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hipponicus traced his lineage back to no less a personage than Triptolemus, the favorite of Demeter, the founder of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the teacher of agriculture and all kinds of civilization.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
not known
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
upstartnounUS /ˈʌpstɑːrt/
an arrogant or presumptuous person
From this reading The other was Pyrilampes, an upstart, a money-changer from the Piræeus, who had grown rich.
vieverbUS /vaɪ/
compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
wealthyadjectiveUS /ˈwelθi/
having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
which person or people
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
belonging to which person
From this reading One was Hipponicus, a man of noble birth, in whose hospitable house Aspasia lived.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Athens, at the time the events narrated here occurred, were two men, who strove to vie with each other not only in magnificent gifts to the nation, as was the custom, but also in lavish household display, hitherto unknown.
