used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Shakespeare has not omitted to give a good many scattered allusions to the old superstitions and popular usages associated with the festivals of the year, some of which still survive in our midst.
allusionsnounUS /əˈluːʒənz/
plural of “allusion” — passing reference or indirect mention
From this reading Shakespeare has not omitted to give a good many scattered allusions to the old superstitions and popular usages associated with the festivals of the year, some of which still survive in our midst.
a quantity of money
From this reading In years gone by the anniversaries connected with the calendar were kept up with an amount of enthusiasm and merry-making quite unknown at the present day.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In years gone by the anniversaries connected with the calendar were kept up with an amount of enthusiasm and merry-making quite unknown at the present day.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In years gone by the anniversaries connected with the calendar were kept up with an amount of enthusiasm and merry-making quite unknown at the present day.
anniversariesnounUS /ˌænəˈvɜːrsəriz/
plural of “anniversary” — the date on which an event occurred in some previous year (or the celebration of it)
From this reading In years gone by the anniversaries connected with the calendar were kept up with an amount of enthusiasm and merry-making quite unknown at the present day.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
associatedverbUS /əˈsoʊsieɪtɪd/
past form of “associate” — make a logical or causal connection
From this reading Shakespeare has not omitted to give a good many scattered allusions to the old superstitions and popular usages associated with the festivals of the year, some of which still survive in our midst.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In years gone by the anniversaries connected with the calendar were kept up with an amount of enthusiasm and merry-making quite unknown at the present day.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading During the present century the popular celebrations of the festivals have been gradually on the decline, and nearly every year marks the disuse of some local custom.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading In years gone by the anniversaries connected with the calendar were kept up with an amount of enthusiasm and merry-making quite unknown at the present day.
CALENDARnounUS /ˈkæləndər/
a system of timekeeping that defines the beginning and length and divisions of the year
From this reading CUSTOMS CONNECTED WITH THE CALENDAR.
celebrationsnounUS /ˌseləˈbreɪʃənz/
plural of “celebration” — a joyful occasion for special festivities to mark some happy event
From this reading During the present century the popular celebrations of the festivals have been gradually on the decline, and nearly every year marks the disuse of some local custom.
a period of 100 years
From this reading During the present century the popular celebrations of the festivals have been gradually on the decline, and nearly every year marks the disuse of some local custom.
being joined in close association
From this reading CUSTOMS CONNECTED WITH THE CALENDAR.
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading During the present century the popular celebrations of the festivals have been gradually on the decline, and nearly every year marks the disuse of some local custom.
CUSTOMSnounUS /ˈkʌstəmz/
money collected under a tariff
From this reading CUSTOMS CONNECTED WITH THE CALENDAR.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading In years gone by the anniversaries connected with the calendar were kept up with an amount of enthusiasm and merry-making quite unknown at the present day.
declineverbUS /dɪˈklaɪn/
grow worse
From this reading During the present century the popular celebrations of the festivals have been gradually on the decline, and nearly every year marks the disuse of some local custom.
disusenounUS /dɪˈsjuːs/
the state of something that has been unused and neglected
From this reading During the present century the popular celebrations of the festivals have been gradually on the decline, and nearly every year marks the disuse of some local custom.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During the present century the popular celebrations of the festivals have been gradually on the decline, and nearly every year marks the disuse of some local custom.
with eagerness; in an eager manner
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
a feeling of excitement
From this reading In years gone by the anniversaries connected with the calendar were kept up with an amount of enthusiasm and merry-making quite unknown at the present day.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading During the present century the popular celebrations of the festivals have been gradually on the decline, and nearly every year marks the disuse of some local custom.
festivalsnounUS /ˈfestəvəlz/
plural of “festival” — a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration
From this reading During the present century the popular celebrations of the festivals have been gradually on the decline, and nearly every year marks the disuse of some local custom.
festiveadjectiveUS /ˈfestɪv/
offering fun and gaiety
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Shakespeare has not omitted to give a good many scattered allusions to the old superstitions and popular usages associated with the festivals of the year, some of which still survive in our midst.
destroyed or killed
From this reading In years gone by the anniversaries connected with the calendar were kept up with an amount of enthusiasm and merry-making quite unknown at the present day.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Shakespeare has not omitted to give a good many scattered allusions to the old superstitions and popular usages associated with the festivals of the year, some of which still survive in our midst.
in a gradual manner
From this reading During the present century the popular celebrations of the festivals have been gradually on the decline, and nearly every year marks the disuse of some local custom.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Shakespeare has not omitted to give a good many scattered allusions to the old superstitions and popular usages associated with the festivals of the year, some of which still survive in our midst.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading During the present century the popular celebrations of the festivals have been gradually on the decline, and nearly every year marks the disuse of some local custom.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In years gone by the anniversaries connected with the calendar were kept up with an amount of enthusiasm and merry-making quite unknown at the present day.
an occurrence of something
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading In years gone by the anniversaries connected with the calendar were kept up with an amount of enthusiasm and merry-making quite unknown at the present day.
localadjectiveUS /ˈloʊkəl/
relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area
From this reading During the present century the popular celebrations of the festivals have been gradually on the decline, and nearly every year marks the disuse of some local custom.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
engage in
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Shakespeare has not omitted to give a good many scattered allusions to the old superstitions and popular usages associated with the festivals of the year, some of which still survive in our midst.
English businessman who created a retail chain (1888-1964)
From this reading During the present century the popular celebrations of the festivals have been gradually on the decline, and nearly every year marks the disuse of some local custom.
May-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
merry-making
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In years gone by the anniversaries connected with the calendar were kept up with an amount of enthusiasm and merry-making quite unknown at the present day.
the location of something surrounded by other things
From this reading Shakespeare has not omitted to give a good many scattered allusions to the old superstitions and popular usages associated with the festivals of the year, some of which still survive in our midst.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading During the present century the popular celebrations of the festivals have been gradually on the decline, and nearly every year marks the disuse of some local custom.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Shakespeare has not omitted to give a good many scattered allusions to the old superstitions and popular usages associated with the festivals of the year, some of which still survive in our midst.
observancenounUS /əbˈzɜːrvəns/
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In years gone by the anniversaries connected with the calendar were kept up with an amount of enthusiasm and merry-making quite unknown at the present day.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Shakespeare has not omitted to give a good many scattered allusions to the old superstitions and popular usages associated with the festivals of the year, some of which still survive in our midst.
omittedverbUS /oʊˈmɪtəd/
inflected form of “omit” — prevent from being included or considered or accepted
From this reading Shakespeare has not omitted to give a good many scattered allusions to the old superstitions and popular usages associated with the festivals of the year, some of which still survive in our midst.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Shakespeare has not omitted to give a good many scattered allusions to the old superstitions and popular usages associated with the festivals of the year, some of which still survive in our midst.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading During the present century the popular celebrations of the festivals have been gradually on the decline, and nearly every year marks the disuse of some local custom.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading In years gone by the anniversaries connected with the calendar were kept up with an amount of enthusiasm and merry-making quite unknown at the present day.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading In years gone by the anniversaries connected with the calendar were kept up with an amount of enthusiasm and merry-making quite unknown at the present day.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
renderverbUS /ˈrendər/
cause to become
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space
From this reading Shakespeare has not omitted to give a good many scattered allusions to the old superstitions and popular usages associated with the festivals of the year, some of which still survive in our midst.
ShakespearenounUS /ˈʃeɪkspiːr/
English poet and dramatist considered one of the greatest English writers (1564-1616)
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading During the present century the popular celebrations of the festivals have been gradually on the decline, and nearly every year marks the disuse of some local custom.
not in physical motion
From this reading Shakespeare has not omitted to give a good many scattered allusions to the old superstitions and popular usages associated with the festivals of the year, some of which still survive in our midst.
superstitionsnounUS /ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃənz/
plural of “superstition” — an irrational belief arising from ignorance or fear
From this reading Shakespeare has not omitted to give a good many scattered allusions to the old superstitions and popular usages associated with the festivals of the year, some of which still survive in our midst.
surviveverbUS /sərˈvaɪv/
continue to live and avoid dying
From this reading Shakespeare has not omitted to give a good many scattered allusions to the old superstitions and popular usages associated with the festivals of the year, some of which still survive in our midst.
plural of “tell” — a Swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CUSTOMS CONNECTED WITH THE CALENDAR.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
not known
From this reading In years gone by the anniversaries connected with the calendar were kept up with an amount of enthusiasm and merry-making quite unknown at the present day.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading In years gone by the anniversaries connected with the calendar were kept up with an amount of enthusiasm and merry-making quite unknown at the present day.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
usagesnounUS /ˈjuːsədʒəz/
plural of “usage” — the act of using
From this reading Shakespeare has not omitted to give a good many scattered allusions to the old superstitions and popular usages associated with the festivals of the year, some of which still survive in our midst.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Thus, for instance, Shakespeare tells us, with regard to the May-day observance, that it was looked forward to so eagerly as to render it impossible to make the people sleep on this festive occasion.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In years gone by the anniversaries connected with the calendar were kept up with an amount of enthusiasm and merry-making quite unknown at the present day.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Shakespeare has not omitted to give a good many scattered allusions to the old superstitions and popular usages associated with the festivals of the year, some of which still survive in our midst.
in the company of; together with
From this reading CUSTOMS CONNECTED WITH THE CALENDAR.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading During the present century the popular celebrations of the festivals have been gradually on the decline, and nearly every year marks the disuse of some local custom.
a late time of life
From this reading In years gone by the anniversaries connected with the calendar were kept up with an amount of enthusiasm and merry-making quite unknown at the present day.
