Chapter XXXIV · Chapter 34

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

higher than, or over, something

From this reading He did not put holly rigidly above his doors.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

the highest point (of something)

From this reading No mistletoe drooped from the apex of the tentroom.

in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

the formal act of approving

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

any succulent plant of the family Cactaceae native chiefly to arid regions of the New World and usually having spines

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading CAFÉ NOIR Snow fell, melodramatically, on the year's death-night.

past form of “command” — be in command of

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

solemnly dedicated to or set apart for a high or sacred purpose

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading During the day Valentine occupied himself oddly in decorating his flat for the evening.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading CAFÉ NOIR Snow fell, melodramatically, on the year's death-night.

-ing form of “decorate” — make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.

From this reading During the day Valentine occupied himself oddly in decorating his flat for the evening.

plural of “decoration” — something used to beautify

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading He did not put holly rigidly above his doors.

plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading He did not put holly rigidly above his doors.

past form of “droop” — droop, sink, or settle from or as if from pressure or loss of tautness

From this reading No mistletoe drooped from the apex of the tentroom.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During the day Valentine occupied himself oddly in decorating his flat for the evening.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading During the day Valentine occupied himself oddly in decorating his flat for the evening.

the organ of sight

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading CAFÉ NOIR Snow fell, melodramatically, on the year's death-night.

having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another

From this reading During the day Valentine occupied himself oddly in decorating his flat for the evening.

people in general (often used in the plural)

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading During the day Valentine occupied himself oddly in decorating his flat for the evening.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading No mistletoe drooped from the apex of the tentroom.

diffusing warmth and friendliness

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

third-person singular of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading During the day Valentine occupied himself oddly in decorating his flat for the evening.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading During the day Valentine occupied himself oddly in decorating his flat for the evening.

any tree or shrub of the genus Ilex having red berries and shiny evergreen leaves with prickly edges

From this reading He did not put holly rigidly above his doors.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading During the day Valentine occupied himself oddly in decorating his flat for the evening.

relating to or existing in the mind or thoughts

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

as in a melodrama

From this reading CAFÉ NOIR Snow fell, melodramatically, on the year's death-night.

American plants closely resembling Old World mistletoe

From this reading No mistletoe drooped from the apex of the tentroom.

not any; not one

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading CAFÉ NOIR Snow fell, melodramatically, on the year's death-night.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He did not put holly rigidly above his doors.

held or filled or in use

From this reading During the day Valentine occupied himself oddly in decorating his flat for the evening.

in a manner differing from the usual or expected

From this reading During the day Valentine occupied himself oddly in decorating his flat for the evening.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading CAFÉ NOIR Snow fell, melodramatically, on the year's death-night.

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

by chance

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

put or set (seeds, seedlings, or plants) into the ground

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

very irritable

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading He did not put holly rigidly above his doors.

take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

in a rigid manner

From this reading He did not put holly rigidly above his doors.

only a very short time before

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading CAFÉ NOIR Snow fell, melodramatically, on the year's death-night.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading No mistletoe drooped from the apex of the tentroom.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading CAFÉ NOIR Snow fell, melodramatically, on the year's death-night.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

except if; if not

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

a sweetheart chosen to receive a greeting on Saint Valentine's Day

From this reading During the day Valentine occupied himself oddly in decorating his flat for the evening.

which person or people

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading But although he thus seemed to fall in with the consecrated humours of the season his decorations would scarcely have commanded the approval of those good English folk who think that no plant is genial unless it is prickly, and that prickly things represent appropriately to the eye the inward peace and good will that grows, like a cactus, perhaps within the heart.

possessive form of “year” — a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading CAFÉ NOIR Snow fell, melodramatically, on the year's death-night.