used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading “If I should meet thee After long years, How shall I greet thee?”--BYRON.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It is one of the prettiest places in England, that town or village, and boasts an excellent old-fashioned inn, with a large and quaint pleasure-garden.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading It was through the long and straggling street that our little party slowly rode, when the sky became suddenly overcast, and, a few large hailstones falling, gave notice of an approaching storm.
boastsnounUS /boʊsts/
plural of “boast” — speaking of yourself in superlatives
From this reading It is one of the prettiest places in England, that town or village, and boasts an excellent old-fashioned inn, with a large and quaint pleasure-garden.
BYRONnounUS /ˈbaɪrən/
English romantic poet notorious for his rebellious and unconventional lifestyle (1788-1824)
From this reading “If I should meet thee After long years, How shall I greet thee?”--BYRON.
consistingverbUS /kənˈsɪstɪŋ/
-ing form of “consist” — originate
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
Doningdale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
a division of the United Kingdom
From this reading It is one of the prettiest places in England, that town or village, and boasts an excellent old-fashioned inn, with a large and quaint pleasure-garden.
Ernest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
very good; of the highest quality
From this reading It is one of the prettiest places in England, that town or village, and boasts an excellent old-fashioned inn, with a large and quaint pleasure-garden.
decreasing in amount or degree
From this reading It was through the long and straggling street that our little party slowly rode, when the sky became suddenly overcast, and, a few large hailstones falling, gave notice of an approaching storm.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading It was through the long and straggling street that our little party slowly rode, when the sky became suddenly overcast, and, a few large hailstones falling, gave notice of an approaching storm.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
plural of “garden” — a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading It was through the long and straggling street that our little party slowly rode, when the sky became suddenly overcast, and, a few large hailstones falling, gave notice of an approaching storm.
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
in a gradual manner
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
greetverbUS /ɡriːt/
express greetings upon meeting someone
From this reading “If I should meet thee After long years, How shall I greet thee?”--BYRON.
hailstonesnounUS /ˈheɪlstoʊnz/
plural of “hailstone” — small pellet of ice that falls during a hailstorm
From this reading It was through the long and straggling street that our little party slowly rode, when the sky became suddenly overcast, and, a few large hailstones falling, gave notice of an approaching storm.
United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “If I should meet thee After long years, How shall I greet thee?”--BYRON.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “If I should meet thee After long years, How shall I greet thee?”--BYRON.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading “If I should meet thee After long years, How shall I greet thee?”--BYRON.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It is one of the prettiest places in England, that town or village, and boasts an excellent old-fashioned inn, with a large and quaint pleasure-garden.
a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
From this reading It is one of the prettiest places in England, that town or village, and boasts an excellent old-fashioned inn, with a large and quaint pleasure-garden.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is one of the prettiest places in England, that town or village, and boasts an excellent old-fashioned inn, with a large and quaint pleasure-garden.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It is one of the prettiest places in England, that town or village, and boasts an excellent old-fashioned inn, with a large and quaint pleasure-garden.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It was through the long and straggling street that our little party slowly rode, when the sky became suddenly overcast, and, a few large hailstones falling, gave notice of an approaching storm.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading “If I should meet thee After long years, How shall I greet thee?”--BYRON.
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
come together
From this reading “If I should meet thee After long years, How shall I greet thee?”--BYRON.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading It was through the long and straggling street that our little party slowly rode, when the sky became suddenly overcast, and, a few large hailstones falling, gave notice of an approaching storm.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
old-fashionedadjectiveUS /ˌoʊldˈfæʃənd/
out of fashion
From this reading It is one of the prettiest places in England, that town or village, and boasts an excellent old-fashioned inn, with a large and quaint pleasure-garden.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It is one of the prettiest places in England, that town or village, and boasts an excellent old-fashioned inn, with a large and quaint pleasure-garden.
and nothing more
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading It was through the long and straggling street that our little party slowly rode, when the sky became suddenly overcast, and, a few large hailstones falling, gave notice of an approaching storm.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
overcastnounUS /ˈoʊvərkæst/
the state of the sky when it is covered by clouds
From this reading It was through the long and straggling street that our little party slowly rode, when the sky became suddenly overcast, and, a few large hailstones falling, gave notice of an approaching storm.
an organization to gain political power
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
by chance
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
picturesqueadjectiveUS /ˈpɪktʃərəsk/
suggesting or suitable for a picture; pretty as a picture
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading It is one of the prettiest places in England, that town or village, and boasts an excellent old-fashioned inn, with a large and quaint pleasure-garden.
pleasure-garden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is one of the prettiest places in England, that town or village, and boasts an excellent old-fashioned inn, with a large and quaint pleasure-garden.
prettiestadjectiveUS /ˈprɪtiəst/
superlative of “pretty” — pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading It is one of the prettiest places in England, that town or village, and boasts an excellent old-fashioned inn, with a large and quaint pleasure-garden.
quaintadjectiveUS /kweɪnt/
strange in an interesting or pleasing way
From this reading It is one of the prettiest places in England, that town or village, and boasts an excellent old-fashioned inn, with a large and quaint pleasure-garden.
on the contrary
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
raysnounUS /reɪz/
plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
tending to return to an earlier state
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
inflected form of “ride” — sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading It was through the long and straggling street that our little party slowly rode, when the sky became suddenly overcast, and, a few large hailstones falling, gave notice of an approaching storm.
ruinsnounUS /ˈruːənz/
plural of “ruin” — an irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading “If I should meet thee After long years, How shall I greet thee?”--BYRON.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading “If I should meet thee After long years, How shall I greet thee?”--BYRON.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading It was through the long and straggling street that our little party slowly rode, when the sky became suddenly overcast, and, a few large hailstones falling, gave notice of an approaching storm.
slantverbUS /slænt/
lie obliquely
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading It was through the long and straggling street that our little party slowly rode, when the sky became suddenly overcast, and, a few large hailstones falling, gave notice of an approaching storm.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
smalleradjectiveUS /ˈsmɔːlər/
small or little relative to something else
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
a male human offspring
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading It was through the long and straggling street that our little party slowly rode, when the sky became suddenly overcast, and, a few large hailstones falling, gave notice of an approaching storm.
stragglingadjective
spreading out in different directions or distributed irregularly
From this reading It was through the long and straggling street that our little party slowly rode, when the sky became suddenly overcast, and, a few large hailstones falling, gave notice of an approaching storm.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading It was through the long and straggling street that our little party slowly rode, when the sky became suddenly overcast, and, a few large hailstones falling, gave notice of an approaching storm.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading It was through the long and straggling street that our little party slowly rode, when the sky became suddenly overcast, and, a few large hailstones falling, gave notice of an approaching storm.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It is one of the prettiest places in England, that town or village, and boasts an excellent old-fashioned inn, with a large and quaint pleasure-garden.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
an old word for “you”, as the object, speaking to one person
From this reading “If I should meet thee After long years, How shall I greet thee?”--BYRON.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading It was through the long and straggling street that our little party slowly rode, when the sky became suddenly overcast, and, a few large hailstones falling, gave notice of an approaching storm.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
Valerie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IT was a smaller party than usual the next day, consisting only of Lord Doningdale, his son George Herbert, Valerie and Ernest.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading They were returning from the ruins, and the sun, now gradually approaching the west, threw its slant rays over the gardens and houses of a small, picturesque town, or, perhaps, rather village, on the high North Road.
at the time that
From this reading It was through the long and straggling street that our little party slowly rode, when the sky became suddenly overcast, and, a few large hailstones falling, gave notice of an approaching storm.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It is one of the prettiest places in England, that town or village, and boasts an excellent old-fashioned inn, with a large and quaint pleasure-garden.
a late time of life
From this reading “If I should meet thee After long years, How shall I greet thee?”--BYRON.
