used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
acrobatsnounUS /ˈækrəbæts/
plural of “acrobat” — an athlete who performs acts requiring skill and agility and coordination
From this reading The acrobats performed marvelously on their dizzy, swinging trapezes, the clowns evoked the usual laughter, and the trained animal acts were good.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading Among the cleverest of these was the act of the old Eskimo with his trained walrus.
actsnounUS /ækts/
a New Testament book describing the development of the early church from Christ's Ascension to Paul's sojourn at Rome
From this reading There was not such a wide variety of acts as the biggest circuses present, but all the acts there were seemed to be of the best quality.
advertisingnounUS /ˈædvərtaɪzɪŋ/
a public promotion of some product or service
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
agentnounUS /ˈeɪdʒənt/
an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
(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 There was not such a wide variety of acts as the biggest circuses present, but all the acts there were seemed to be of the best quality.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
AmongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Among the cleverest of these was the act of the old Eskimo with his trained walrus.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The acrobats performed marvelously on their dizzy, swinging trapezes, the clowns evoked the usual laughter, and the trained animal acts were good.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading The acrobats performed marvelously on their dizzy, swinging trapezes, the clowns evoked the usual laughter, and the trained animal acts were good.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading There was not such a wide variety of acts as the biggest circuses present, but all the acts there were seemed to be of the best quality.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading There was not such a wide variety of acts as the biggest circuses present, but all the acts there were seemed to be of the best quality.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading There was not such a wide variety of acts as the biggest circuses present, but all the acts there were seemed to be of the best quality.
biggestadjectiveUS /ˈbɪɡəst/
superlative of “big” — above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading There was not such a wide variety of acts as the biggest circuses present, but all the acts there were seemed to be of the best quality.
billboardsnounUS /ˈbɪlbɔːrdz/
plural of “billboard” — large outdoor signboard
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
circusnounUS /ˈsɜːrkəs/
a travelling company of entertainers; including trained animals
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
circusesnounUS /ˈsɜːrkəsəz/
plural of “circus” — a travelling company of entertainers; including trained animals
From this reading There was not such a wide variety of acts as the biggest circuses present, but all the acts there were seemed to be of the best quality.
cleverest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Among the cleverest of these was the act of the old Eskimo with his trained walrus.
clownsnounUS /klaʊnz/
plural of “clown” — a rude or vulgar fool
From this reading The acrobats performed marvelously on their dizzy, swinging trapezes, the clowns evoked the usual laughter, and the trained animal acts were good.
a statement that represents something in words
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
dizzyadjectiveUS /ˈdɪzi/
having or causing a whirling sensation; liable to falling
From this reading The acrobats performed marvelously on their dizzy, swinging trapezes, the clowns evoked the usual laughter, and the trained animal acts were good.
enthusiasticallyadverbUS /ɪnˌθuːziˈæstɪkli/
with enthusiasm; in an enthusiastic manner
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
EskimonounUS /ˈeskəmoʊ/
a member of a people inhabiting the Arctic (northern Canada or Greenland or Alaska or eastern Siberia); the Algonquians called them Eskimo (“eaters of raw flesh”) but they call themselves the Inuit (“the people”)
From this reading Among the cleverest of these was the act of the old Eskimo with his trained walrus.
evokedadjectiveUS /ɪˈvoʊkt/
called forth from a latent or potential state by stimulation
From this reading The acrobats performed marvelously on their dizzy, swinging trapezes, the clowns evoked the usual laughter, and the trained animal acts were good.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
giftedadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪftəd/
endowed with talent or talents
From this reading This animal seemed gifted with almost human intelligence.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading The acrobats performed marvelously on their dizzy, swinging trapezes, the clowns evoked the usual laughter, and the trained animal acts were good.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Among the cleverest of these was the act of the old Eskimo with his trained walrus.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading This animal seemed gifted with almost human intelligence.
the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience
From this reading This animal seemed gifted with almost human intelligence.
the sound of laughing
From this reading The acrobats performed marvelously on their dizzy, swinging trapezes, the clowns evoked the usual laughter, and the trained animal acts were good.
luridadjectiveUS /ˈlʊrəd/
horrible in fierceness or savagery
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
marvelouslyadverbUS /ˈmɑːrvələsli/
(used as an intensifier) extremely well
From this reading The acrobats performed marvelously on their dizzy, swinging trapezes, the clowns evoked the usual laughter, and the trained animal acts were good.
modestadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdəst/
marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Among the cleverest of these was the act of the old Eskimo with his trained walrus.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The acrobats performed marvelously on their dizzy, swinging trapezes, the clowns evoked the usual laughter, and the trained animal acts were good.
on one occasion
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
performedverbUS /pərˈfɔːrmd/
past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action
From this reading The acrobats performed marvelously on their dizzy, swinging trapezes, the clowns evoked the usual laughter, and the trained animal acts were good.
praisesnounUS /ˈpreɪzəz/
plural of “praise” — an expression of approval and commendation
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading There was not such a wide variety of acts as the biggest circuses present, but all the acts there were seemed to be of the best quality.
exert pressure or force to or upon
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading There was not such a wide variety of acts as the biggest circuses present, but all the acts there were seemed to be of the best quality.
retiringadjectiveUS /rɪˈtaɪrɪŋ/
not arrogant or presuming
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading There was not such a wide variety of acts as the biggest circuses present, but all the acts there were seemed to be of the best quality.
the feeling of distress and disbelief that you have when something bad happens accidentally
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading There was not such a wide variety of acts as the biggest circuses present, but all the acts there were seemed to be of the best quality.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
sungnounUS /sʌŋ/
the imperial dynasty of China from 960 to 1279; noted for art and literature and philosophy
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
swingingnounUS /ˈswɪŋɪŋ/
changing location by moving back and forth
From this reading The acrobats performed marvelously on their dizzy, swinging trapezes, the clowns evoked the usual laughter, and the trained animal acts were good.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The acrobats performed marvelously on their dizzy, swinging trapezes, the clowns evoked the usual laughter, and the trained animal acts were good.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was not such a wide variety of acts as the biggest circuses present, but all the acts there were seemed to be of the best quality.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Among the cleverest of these was the act of the old Eskimo with his trained walrus.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
trainedadjectiveUS /treɪnd/
shaped or conditioned or disciplined by training; often used as a combining form
From this reading The acrobats performed marvelously on their dizzy, swinging trapezes, the clowns evoked the usual laughter, and the trained animal acts were good.
trapezes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The acrobats performed marvelously on their dizzy, swinging trapezes, the clowns evoked the usual laughter, and the trained animal acts were good.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading The acrobats performed marvelously on their dizzy, swinging trapezes, the clowns evoked the usual laughter, and the trained animal acts were good.
varietynounUS /vərˈaɪəti/
a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading There was not such a wide variety of acts as the biggest circuses present, but all the acts there were seemed to be of the best quality.
precisely as stated
From this reading A SUDDEN SHOCK The billboards advertising this particular circus had not been of a very modest or retiring description, but for once the show almost came up to the lurid praises sung so enthusiastically by the press agent.
walrusnounUS /ˈwɔːlrəs/
either of two large northern marine mammals having ivory tusks and tough hide over thick blubber
From this reading Among the cleverest of these was the act of the old Eskimo with his trained walrus.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was not such a wide variety of acts as the biggest circuses present, but all the acts there were seemed to be of the best quality.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There was not such a wide variety of acts as the biggest circuses present, but all the acts there were seemed to be of the best quality.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading There was not such a wide variety of acts as the biggest circuses present, but all the acts there were seemed to be of the best quality.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Among the cleverest of these was the act of the old Eskimo with his trained walrus.
