used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading PARIS.--A FEMALE POLITICIAN AND AN ECCLESIASTICAL ONE.--SUNDRY OTHER MATTERS.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading While Bolingbroke was receiving visits of state, I busied myself in inquiring after a certain Madame de Balzac.
(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 The beauty of his person, the grace of his manner, his consummate taste in all things, the exceeding variety and sparkling vivacity of his conversation, enchanted them.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading PARIS.--A FEMALE POLITICIAN AND AN ECCLESIASTICAL ONE.--SUNDRY OTHER MATTERS.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading PARIS.--A FEMALE POLITICIAN AND AN ECCLESIASTICAL ONE.--SUNDRY OTHER MATTERS.
any thing at all
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE ex-minister was received both at Calais and at Paris with the most gratifying honours: he was then entirely the man to captivate the French.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
BalzacnounUS /bɑːlˈzæk/
French novelist; he portrays the complexity of 19th century French society (1799-1850)
From this reading While Bolingbroke was receiving visits of state, I busied myself in inquiring after a certain Madame de Balzac.
the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
From this reading The beauty of his person, the grace of his manner, his consummate taste in all things, the exceeding variety and sparkling vivacity of his conversation, enchanted them.
Bolingbrokenoun
the first Lancastrian king of England from 1399 to 1413; deposed Richard II and suppressed rebellions (1367-1413)
From this reading While Bolingbroke was receiving visits of state, I busied myself in inquiring after a certain Madame de Balzac.
the two together, not just one
From this reading THE ex-minister was received both at Calais and at Paris with the most gratifying honours: he was then entirely the man to captivate the French.
brilliancynoun
a quality that outshines the usual
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
busiedverbUS /ˈbɪzid/
inflected form of “busy” — keep busy with
From this reading While Bolingbroke was receiving visits of state, I busied myself in inquiring after a certain Madame de Balzac.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
CalaisnounUS /kəˈleɪ/
a town in northern France on the Strait of Dover that serves as a ferry port to England
From this reading THE ex-minister was received both at Calais and at Paris with the most gratifying honours: he was then entirely the man to captivate the French.
captivateverbUS /ˈkæptɪveɪt/
attract; cause to be enamored
From this reading THE ex-minister was received both at Calais and at Paris with the most gratifying honours: he was then entirely the man to captivate the French.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading While Bolingbroke was receiving visits of state, I busied myself in inquiring after a certain Madame de Balzac.
consummateverbUS /ˈkɑːnsəmət/
fulfill sexually
From this reading The beauty of his person, the grace of his manner, his consummate taste in all things, the exceeding variety and sparkling vivacity of his conversation, enchanted them.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading The beauty of his person, the grace of his manner, his consummate taste in all things, the exceeding variety and sparkling vivacity of his conversation, enchanted them.
dazzledadjectiveUS /ˈdæzəld/
having vision overcome temporarily by or as if by intense light
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading While Bolingbroke was receiving visits of state, I busied myself in inquiring after a certain Madame de Balzac.
diamondnounUS /ˈdaɪmənd/
a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
ECCLESIASTICALadjectiveUS /ɪˌkliːziˈæstɪkəl/
of or associated with a church (especially a Christian Church)
From this reading PARIS.--A FEMALE POLITICIAN AND AN ECCLESIASTICAL ONE.--SUNDRY OTHER MATTERS.
enchantedadjectiveUS /ɪnˈtʃæn.tɪd/
Filled with or placed under the influence of magical power or charm.
From this reading The beauty of his person, the grace of his manner, his consummate taste in all things, the exceeding variety and sparkling vivacity of his conversation, enchanted them.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading THE ex-minister was received both at Calais and at Paris with the most gratifying honours: he was then entirely the man to captivate the French.
divisible by two
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
ex-minister
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE ex-minister was received both at Calais and at Paris with the most gratifying honours: he was then entirely the man to captivate the French.
exceedingadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsiːdɪŋ/
far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree
From this reading The beauty of his person, the grace of his manner, his consummate taste in all things, the exceeding variety and sparkling vivacity of his conversation, enchanted them.
being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop
From this reading PARIS.--A FEMALE POLITICIAN AND AN ECCLESIASTICAL ONE.--SUNDRY OTHER MATTERS.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading THE ex-minister was received both at Calais and at Paris with the most gratifying honours: he was then entirely the man to captivate the French.
(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading The beauty of his person, the grace of his manner, his consummate taste in all things, the exceeding variety and sparkling vivacity of his conversation, enchanted them.
gratifyingadjectiveUS /ˈɡrætəfaɪɪŋ/
pleasing to the mind or feeling
From this reading THE ex-minister was received both at Calais and at Paris with the most gratifying honours: he was then entirely the man to captivate the French.
(of animals) fully developed
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
habitualadjectiveUS /həˈbɪtʃuːəl/
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE ex-minister was received both at Calais and at Paris with the most gratifying honours: he was then entirely the man to captivate the French.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The beauty of his person, the grace of his manner, his consummate taste in all things, the exceeding variety and sparkling vivacity of his conversation, enchanted them.
honoursnoun
a university degree with honors
From this reading THE ex-minister was received both at Calais and at Paris with the most gratifying honours: he was then entirely the man to captivate the French.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading While Bolingbroke was receiving visits of state, I busied myself in inquiring after a certain Madame de Balzac.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The beauty of his person, the grace of his manner, his consummate taste in all things, the exceeding variety and sparkling vivacity of his conversation, enchanted them.
inquiringadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪərɪŋ/
given to inquiry
From this reading While Bolingbroke was receiving visits of state, I busied myself in inquiring after a certain Madame de Balzac.
intercoursenounUS /ˈɪntərkɔːrs/
communication between individuals
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
title used for a married Frenchwoman
From this reading While Bolingbroke was receiving visits of state, I busied myself in inquiring after a certain Madame de Balzac.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading THE ex-minister was received both at Calais and at Paris with the most gratifying honours: he was then entirely the man to captivate the French.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The beauty of his person, the grace of his manner, his consummate taste in all things, the exceeding variety and sparkling vivacity of his conversation, enchanted them.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading PARIS.--A FEMALE POLITICIAN AND AN ECCLESIASTICAL ONE.--SUNDRY OTHER MATTERS.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
used to form the superlative
From this reading THE ex-minister was received both at Calais and at Paris with the most gratifying honours: he was then entirely the man to captivate the French.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading While Bolingbroke was receiving visits of state, I busied myself in inquiring after a certain Madame de Balzac.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The beauty of his person, the grace of his manner, his consummate taste in all things, the exceeding variety and sparkling vivacity of his conversation, enchanted them.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading PARIS.--A FEMALE POLITICIAN AND AN ECCLESIASTICAL ONE.--SUNDRY OTHER MATTERS.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading PARIS.--A FEMALE POLITICIAN AND AN ECCLESIASTICAL ONE.--SUNDRY OTHER MATTERS.
the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce
From this reading PARIS.--A FEMALE POLITICIAN AND AN ECCLESIASTICAL ONE.--SUNDRY OTHER MATTERS.
a human being
From this reading The beauty of his person, the grace of his manner, his consummate taste in all things, the exceeding variety and sparkling vivacity of his conversation, enchanted them.
POLITICIANnounUS /ˌpɑːləˈtɪʃən/
a leader engaged in civil administration
From this reading PARIS.--A FEMALE POLITICIAN AND AN ECCLESIASTICAL ONE.--SUNDRY OTHER MATTERS.
showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading THE ex-minister was received both at Calais and at Paris with the most gratifying honours: he was then entirely the man to captivate the French.
receivingverbUS /rəˈsiːvɪŋ/
-ing form of “receive” — get something; come into possession of
From this reading While Bolingbroke was receiving visits of state, I busied myself in inquiring after a certain Madame de Balzac.
reservedadjectiveUS /rɪˈzɜːrvd/
set aside for the use of a particular person or party
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
soliditynounUS /səˈlɪdəti/
the consistency of a solid
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
sparklingadjectiveUS /ˈspɑːrklɪŋ/
shining with brilliant points of light like stars
From this reading The beauty of his person, the grace of his manner, his consummate taste in all things, the exceeding variety and sparkling vivacity of his conversation, enchanted them.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading While Bolingbroke was receiving visits of state, I busied myself in inquiring after a certain Madame de Balzac.
SUNDRYadjectiveUS /ˈsʌndri/
consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds
From this reading PARIS.--A FEMALE POLITICIAN AND AN ECCLESIASTICAL ONE.--SUNDRY OTHER MATTERS.
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading The beauty of his person, the grace of his manner, his consummate taste in all things, the exceeding variety and sparkling vivacity of his conversation, enchanted them.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE ex-minister was received both at Calais and at Paris with the most gratifying honours: he was then entirely the man to captivate the French.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The beauty of his person, the grace of his manner, his consummate taste in all things, the exceeding variety and sparkling vivacity of his conversation, enchanted them.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading THE ex-minister was received both at Calais and at Paris with the most gratifying honours: he was then entirely the man to captivate the French.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading The beauty of his person, the grace of his manner, his consummate taste in all things, the exceeding variety and sparkling vivacity of his conversation, enchanted them.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE ex-minister was received both at Calais and at Paris with the most gratifying honours: he was then entirely the man to captivate the French.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading In later life he has grown more reserved and profound, even in habitual intercourse; and attention is now fixed to the solidity of the diamond, as at that time one was too dazzled to think of anything but its brilliancy.
varietynounUS /vərˈaɪəti/
a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading The beauty of his person, the grace of his manner, his consummate taste in all things, the exceeding variety and sparkling vivacity of his conversation, enchanted them.
visitsnounUS /ˈvɪzɪts/
plural of “visit” — the act of going to see some person or place or thing for a short time
From this reading While Bolingbroke was receiving visits of state, I busied myself in inquiring after a certain Madame de Balzac.
vivacitynoun
characterized by high spirits and animation
From this reading The beauty of his person, the grace of his manner, his consummate taste in all things, the exceeding variety and sparkling vivacity of his conversation, enchanted them.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE ex-minister was received both at Calais and at Paris with the most gratifying honours: he was then entirely the man to captivate the French.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While Bolingbroke was receiving visits of state, I busied myself in inquiring after a certain Madame de Balzac.
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE ex-minister was received both at Calais and at Paris with the most gratifying honours: he was then entirely the man to captivate the French.
