used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But it had been resolved to make this a work, not of repression, but of extermination, of the Christian name.
make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
in addition
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
exhale hard
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But it had been resolved to make this a work, not of repression, but of extermination, of the Christian name.
butcherynounUS /ˈbʊtʃəri/
a building where animals are butchered
From this reading It had been determined to spare no one; but cutting off the chiefs of the religion first, to descend down to the wholesale butchery of the poorest classes.
chiefsnounUS /tʃiːfs/
plural of “chief” — a person who is in charge
From this reading It had been determined to spare no one; but cutting off the chiefs of the religion first, to descend down to the wholesale butchery of the poorest classes.
relating to or characteristic of Christianity
From this reading But it had been resolved to make this a work, not of repression, but of extermination, of the Christian name.
classesnounUS /ˈklæsəz/
plural of “class” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading It had been determined to spare no one; but cutting off the chiefs of the religion first, to descend down to the wholesale butchery of the poorest classes.
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
completenessnounUS /kəmˈpliːtnəs/
the state of being complete and entire; having everything that is needed
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
concertnounUS /ˈkɑːnsərt/
a performance of music by players or singers not involving theatrical staging
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
crueladjectiveUS /ˈkruːəl/
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
crushingadjectiveUS /ˈkrʌʃɪŋ/
physically or spiritually devastating; often used in combination
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
the activity of selecting the scenes to be shown and putting them together to create a film
From this reading It had been determined to spare no one; but cutting off the chiefs of the religion first, to descend down to the wholesale butchery of the poorest classes.
decreeverbUS /dɪˈkriː/
issue a decree
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
DELIBERATIONSnounUS /dɪˌlɪbərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “deliberation” — (usually plural) discussion of all sides of a question
From this reading DELIBERATIONS.
descendverbUS /dɪˈsend/
move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
From this reading It had been determined to spare no one; but cutting off the chiefs of the religion first, to descend down to the wholesale butchery of the poorest classes.
the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
characterized by great determination
From this reading It had been determined to spare no one; but cutting off the chiefs of the religion first, to descend down to the wholesale butchery of the poorest classes.
Dioclesian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading It had been determined to spare no one; but cutting off the chiefs of the religion first, to descend down to the wholesale butchery of the poorest classes.
the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
enginesnounUS /ˈendʒənz/
plural of “engine” — motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
enkindling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
exterminationnounUS /ɪkˌstɜːrməˈneɪʃən/
complete annihilation
From this reading But it had been resolved to make this a work, not of repression, but of extermination, of the Christian name.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading It had been determined to spare no one; but cutting off the chiefs of the religion first, to descend down to the wholesale butchery of the poorest classes.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
Galerius
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
grandeurnounUS /ɡrænˈduːr/
the quality of being magnificent or splendid or grand
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
harmonynounUS /ˈhɑːrməni/
compatibility in opinion and action
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
imperialadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɪriəl/
relating to or associated with an empire
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
instrumentnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənt/
a device that requires skill for proper use
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
impressiveness in scale or proportion
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
engage in
From this reading But it had been resolved to make this a work, not of repression, but of extermination, of the Christian name.
Maximiannoun
Roman Emperor from 286 until he abdicated in 305; when Diocletian divided the Roman Empire in 286 Maximian became emperor in the west (died in 311)
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
measuresnounUS /ˈmeʒərz/
plural of “measure” — any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading But it had been resolved to make this a work, not of repression, but of extermination, of the Christian name.
absolutely essential
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
not any; not one
From this reading It had been determined to spare no one; but cutting off the chiefs of the religion first, to descend down to the wholesale butchery of the poorest classes.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But it had been resolved to make this a work, not of repression, but of extermination, of the Christian name.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading But it had been resolved to make this a work, not of repression, but of extermination, of the Christian name.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading It had been determined to spare no one; but cutting off the chiefs of the religion first, to descend down to the wholesale butchery of the poorest classes.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It had been determined to spare no one; but cutting off the chiefs of the religion first, to descend down to the wholesale butchery of the poorest classes.
persecutionnounUS /ˌpɜːrsəˈkjuːʃən/
the act of persecuting (especially on the basis of race or religion)
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
poorestadjectiveUS /ˈpuːrɪst/
superlative of “poor” — deserving or inciting pity
From this reading It had been determined to spare no one; but cutting off the chiefs of the religion first, to descend down to the wholesale butchery of the poorest classes.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
ragingadjectiveUS /ˈreɪdʒɪŋ/
characterized by violent and forceful activity or movement; very intense
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
From this reading It had been determined to spare no one; but cutting off the chiefs of the religion first, to descend down to the wholesale butchery of the poorest classes.
repressionnounUS /riˈpreʃən/
a state of forcible subjugation
From this reading But it had been resolved to make this a work, not of repression, but of extermination, of the Christian name.
determined
From this reading But it had been resolved to make this a work, not of repression, but of extermination, of the Christian name.
get by special effort
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
refrain from harming
From this reading It had been determined to spare no one; but cutting off the chiefs of the religion first, to descend down to the wholesale butchery of the poorest classes.
an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But it had been resolved to make this a work, not of repression, but of extermination, of the Christian name.
in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But it had been resolved to make this a work, not of repression, but of extermination, of the Christian name.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was necessary for this purpose to concert measures, that the various engines of destruction might work in cruel harmony: that every possible instrument should be employed to secure completeness to the effort; and also that the majesty of imperial command should add its grandeur and its terror to the crushing blow.
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading The persecution had now been some time raging in the East under Dioclesian and Galerius; and the decree for enkindling it throughout the West, had reached Maximian.
wholesaleadverbUS /ˈhoʊlseɪl/
at a wholesale price
From this reading It had been determined to spare no one; but cutting off the chiefs of the religion first, to descend down to the wholesale butchery of the poorest classes.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading But it had been resolved to make this a work, not of repression, but of extermination, of the Christian name.
