used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
affectionateadjectiveUS /əˈfekʃənət/
having or displaying warmth or affection
From this reading Calderon received the young soldier at the door of his chamber with marked and almost affectionate respect.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Calderon received the young soldier at the door of his chamber with marked and almost affectionate respect.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading I had already been fortunate enough to win the countenance of the duke, and from that day my rise was rapid.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Calderon received the young soldier at the door of his chamber with marked and almost affectionate respect.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I date my fortunes from the hour in which I was placed in your father’s house as your preceptor.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Calderon received the young soldier at the door of his chamber with marked and almost affectionate respect.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading I had already been fortunate enough to win the countenance of the duke, and from that day my rise was rapid.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
CalderonnounUS /ˈkɔːldərɑːn/
Spanish poet and dramatist considered one of the great Spanish writers (1600-1681)
From this reading Calderon received the young soldier at the door of his chamber with marked and almost affectionate respect.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
cardinal-duke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
a natural or artificial enclosed space
From this reading Calderon received the young soldier at the door of his chamber with marked and almost affectionate respect.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading I had already been fortunate enough to win the countenance of the duke, and from that day my rise was rapid.
the specified day of the month
From this reading I date my fortunes from the hour in which I was placed in your father’s house as your preceptor.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading I had already been fortunate enough to win the countenance of the duke, and from that day my rise was rapid.
debtnounUS /det/
the state of owing something (especially money)
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
past form of “demand” — request urgently and forcefully
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
a Spanish gentleman or nobleman
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Calderon received the young soldier at the door of his chamber with marked and almost affectionate respect.
a British peer of the highest rank
From this reading I had already been fortunate enough to win the countenance of the duke, and from that day my rise was rapid.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading I had already been fortunate enough to win the countenance of the duke, and from that day my rise was rapid.
father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading I date my fortunes from the hour in which I was placed in your father’s house as your preceptor.
a feeling of favorable regard
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
having unexpected good fortune
From this reading I had already been fortunate enough to win the countenance of the duke, and from that day my rise was rapid.
fortunesnounUS /ˈfɔːrtʃənz/
plural of “fortune” — an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading I date my fortunes from the hour in which I was placed in your father’s house as your preceptor.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading I date my fortunes from the hour in which I was placed in your father’s house as your preceptor.
highest in quality
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I had already been fortunate enough to win the countenance of the duke, and from that day my rise was rapid.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Calderon received the young soldier at the door of his chamber with marked and almost affectionate respect.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading I date my fortunes from the hour in which I was placed in your father’s house as your preceptor.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading I date my fortunes from the hour in which I was placed in your father’s house as your preceptor.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
illustriousadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈlʌstriəs/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
incurverbUS /ˌɪnˈkɜːr/
make oneself subject to; bring upon oneself; become liable to
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
of or relating to two people who are married to each other
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
kinsmannounUS /ˈkɪnzmæn/
a male relative
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
for more time
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
MadridnounUS /məˈdrɪd/
the capital and largest city situated centrally in Spain; home of an outstanding art museum
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
strongly marked; easily noticeable
From this reading Calderon received the young soldier at the door of his chamber with marked and almost affectionate respect.
French bishop who is a patron saint of France (died in 397)
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
not any; not one
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Calderon received the young soldier at the door of his chamber with marked and almost affectionate respect.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
be obliged to pay or repay
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
peacefuladjectiveUS /ˈpiːsfəl/
not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading I date my fortunes from the hour in which I was placed in your father’s house as your preceptor.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
preceptornoun
teacher at a university or college (especially at Cambridge or Oxford)
From this reading I date my fortunes from the hour in which I was placed in your father’s house as your preceptor.
provideverbUS /prəˈvaɪd/
give something useful or necessary to
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
rapidadjectiveUS /ˈræpəd/
done or occurring in a brief period of time
From this reading I had already been fortunate enough to win the countenance of the duke, and from that day my rise was rapid.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading Calderon received the young soldier at the door of his chamber with marked and almost affectionate respect.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading Calderon received the young soldier at the door of his chamber with marked and almost affectionate respect.
possessing material wealth
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
move upward
From this reading I had already been fortunate enough to win the countenance of the duke, and from that day my rise was rapid.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
scholarnounUS /ˈskɒl.ər/
A specialist in a particular branch of study; a distinguished student.
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
performance of duties or provision of space and equipment helpful to others
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading Calderon received the young soldier at the door of his chamber with marked and almost affectionate respect.
stepping-stone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Calderon received the young soldier at the door of his chamber with marked and almost affectionate respect.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
in or at that place or location
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
make physical contact with, come in contact with
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
tremornounUS /ˈtremər/
an involuntary vibration (as if from illness or fear)
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
at the time that
From this reading When the cardinal-duke invited you to Madrid, I was your companion; and when, afterwards, you joined the army, and required no longer the services of the peaceful scholar, you demanded of your illustrious kinsman the single favour--to provide for Calderon.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading I date my fortunes from the hour in which I was placed in your father’s house as your preceptor.
be the winner in a contest or competition; be victorious
From this reading I had already been fortunate enough to win the countenance of the duke, and from that day my rise was rapid.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Calderon received the young soldier at the door of his chamber with marked and almost affectionate respect.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Calderon received the young soldier at the door of his chamber with marked and almost affectionate respect.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Don Martin,” said he, and there seemed a touch of true feeling in the tremor of his rich sweet voice, “I owe you the greatest debt one man can incur to another--it was your hand that set before my feet their first stepping-stone to power.
