used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Gerald wandered about amid this exciting turmoil, puzzled and confused.
activitynounUS /ækˈtɪvəti/
any specific behavior
From this reading The same activity prevailed within doors and without.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
amidprepositionUS /əˈmɪd/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading Gerald wandered about amid this exciting turmoil, puzzled and confused.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
bustlenounUS /ˈbʌsəl/
a rapid active commotion
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
Cardinal'snounUS /ˈkɑːrdənəlz/
possessive form of “cardinal” — (Roman Catholic Church) one of a group of more than 100 prominent bishops in the Sacred College who advise the Pope and elect new Popes
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment
From this reading Gerald wandered about amid this exciting turmoil, puzzled and confused.
couriernounUS /ˈkɜːriər/
a person who carries a message
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
daybreaknounUS /ˈdeɪbreɪk/
the first light of day
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading The same activity prevailed within doors and without.
EminencenounUS /ˈemənəns/
high status importance owing to marked superiority
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
excitingadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsaɪtɪŋ/
creating or arousing excitement
From this reading Gerald wandered about amid this exciting turmoil, puzzled and confused.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
plural of “garden” — a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
Gerald
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gerald wandered about amid this exciting turmoil, puzzled and confused.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
honouredverbUS /ˈɑːnərd/
past form of “honour” — bestow honor or rewards upon
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
the force of workers available
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
something you have to do
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
Orvieto
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
(law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
pleasure-grounds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
preparationnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃən/
the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
prevailedverbUS /prɪˈveɪld/
past form of “prevail” — be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
From this reading The same activity prevailed within doors and without.
princelyadjectiveUS /ˈprɪnsli/
ostentatiously rich and superior in quality
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
filled with bewilderment
From this reading Gerald wandered about amid this exciting turmoil, puzzled and confused.
not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
readinessnounUS /ˈredinəs/
the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
get something; come into possession of
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
Identical; not different.
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
in the near future
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
speedilyadverbUS /ˈspiːdəli/
with speed
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
having great beauty and splendor
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
move an implement through
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
suitesnounUS /swiːts/
plural of “suite” — a musical composition of several movements only loosely connected
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
terracesnounUS /ˈterəsəz/
plural of “terrace” — usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Gerald wandered about amid this exciting turmoil, puzzled and confused.
tidingsnounUS /ˈtaɪdɪŋz/
information about recent and important events
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
soldiers collectively
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
turmoilnounUS /ˈtɜːrmɔɪl/
a violent disturbance
From this reading Gerald wandered about amid this exciting turmoil, puzzled and confused.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
villanounUS /ˈvɪlə/
Mexican revolutionary leader (1877-1923)
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
past form of “wander” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading Gerald wandered about amid this exciting turmoil, puzzled and confused.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was a rare event, indeed, which honoured the villa with a visit from its princely owner; and great was the bustle and stir of preparation to receive him.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Troops of men were employed in the gardens, on the terraces, and the various pleasure-grounds; while splendid suites of rooms, never opened but on such great occasions, were now speedily got in readiness and order.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Soon after daybreak on the following morning the Cardinal’s courier arrived at Orvieto with tidings that his Eminence might be expected the same evening.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading The same activity prevailed within doors and without.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The same activity prevailed within doors and without.
