used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There were two armlets, a tiara, and a kind of pectoral; the latter having in high relief certain figures of almost unbearable extravagance.
in actual fact
From this reading He seemed to expect some demonstration when the first piece--the tiara--became visible, but I doubt if he expected quite what actually happened.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
armlets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were two armlets, a tiara, and a kind of pectoral; the latter having in high relief certain figures of almost unbearable extravagance.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As my uncle began slowly and grudgingly to unwrap the things, he urged me not to be shocked by the strangeness and frequent hideousness of the designs.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading As my uncle began slowly and grudgingly to unwrap the things, he urged me not to be shocked by the strangeness and frequent hideousness of the designs.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading He seemed to expect some demonstration when the first piece--the tiara--became visible, but I doubt if he expected quite what actually happened.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading As my uncle began slowly and grudgingly to unwrap the things, he urged me not to be shocked by the strangeness and frequent hideousness of the designs.
a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading As my uncle began slowly and grudgingly to unwrap the things, he urged me not to be shocked by the strangeness and frequent hideousness of the designs.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading There were two armlets, a tiara, and a kind of pectoral; the latter having in high relief certain figures of almost unbearable extravagance.
exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
demonstrationnounUS /ˌdemənˈstreɪʃən/
a show or display; the act of presenting something to sight or view
From this reading He seemed to expect some demonstration when the first piece--the tiara--became visible, but I doubt if he expected quite what actually happened.
past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
From this reading They were, he said, of very grotesque and almost repulsive design.
designsnounUS /dɪˈzaɪnz/
plural of “design” — the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
From this reading As my uncle began slowly and grudgingly to unwrap the things, he urged me not to be shocked by the strangeness and frequent hideousness of the designs.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading He seemed to expect some demonstration when the first piece--the tiara--became visible, but I doubt if he expected quite what actually happened.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
regard something as probable or likely
From this reading He seemed to expect some demonstration when the first piece--the tiara--became visible, but I doubt if he expected quite what actually happened.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading He seemed to expect some demonstration when the first piece--the tiara--became visible, but I doubt if he expected quite what actually happened.
extravagancenounUS /ekˈstrævəɡəns/
the quality of exceeding the appropriate limits of decorum or probability or truth
From this reading There were two armlets, a tiara, and a kind of pectoral; the latter having in high relief certain figures of almost unbearable extravagance.
plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading There were two armlets, a tiara, and a kind of pectoral; the latter having in high relief certain figures of almost unbearable extravagance.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading He seemed to expect some demonstration when the first piece--the tiara--became visible, but I doubt if he expected quite what actually happened.
frequentverbUS /ˈfriːkwənt/
do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
From this reading As my uncle began slowly and grudgingly to unwrap the things, he urged me not to be shocked by the strangeness and frequent hideousness of the designs.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
great-grandmother
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
grotesqueadjectiveUS /ɡroʊˈtesk/
distorted and unnatural in shape or size; abnormal and hideous
From this reading They were, he said, of very grotesque and almost repulsive design.
grudginglyadverbUS /ˈɡrʌdʒɪŋli/
in a grudging manner
From this reading As my uncle began slowly and grudgingly to unwrap the things, he urged me not to be shocked by the strangeness and frequent hideousness of the designs.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading He seemed to expect some demonstration when the first piece--the tiara--became visible, but I doubt if he expected quite what actually happened.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading There were two armlets, a tiara, and a kind of pectoral; the latter having in high relief certain figures of almost unbearable extravagance.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were, he said, of very grotesque and almost repulsive design.
hideousnessnoun
dreadful ugliness; horrible repulsiveness
From this reading As my uncle began slowly and grudgingly to unwrap the things, he urged me not to be shocked by the strangeness and frequent hideousness of the designs.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading There were two armlets, a tiara, and a kind of pectoral; the latter having in high relief certain figures of almost unbearable extravagance.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading He seemed to expect some demonstration when the first piece--the tiara--became visible, but I doubt if he expected quite what actually happened.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading He seemed to expect some demonstration when the first piece--the tiara--became visible, but I doubt if he expected quite what actually happened.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There were two armlets, a tiara, and a kind of pectoral; the latter having in high relief certain figures of almost unbearable extravagance.
inspiringadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈspaɪrɪŋ/
stimulating or exalting to the spirit
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
itemsnounUS /ˈaɪtəmz/
plural of “item” — a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading There were two armlets, a tiara, and a kind of pectoral; the latter having in high relief certain figures of almost unbearable extravagance.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading There were two armlets, a tiara, and a kind of pectoral; the latter having in high relief certain figures of almost unbearable extravagance.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading As my uncle began slowly and grudgingly to unwrap the things, he urged me not to be shocked by the strangeness and frequent hideousness of the designs.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
of an obscure nature
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading As my uncle began slowly and grudgingly to unwrap the things, he urged me not to be shocked by the strangeness and frequent hideousness of the designs.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
pectoralnounUS /ˈpektərəl/
either of two large muscles of the chest
From this reading There were two armlets, a tiara, and a kind of pectoral; the latter having in high relief certain figures of almost unbearable extravagance.
a separate part of a whole
From this reading He seemed to expect some demonstration when the first piece--the tiara--became visible, but I doubt if he expected quite what actually happened.
plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
bring forth or yield
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading He seemed to expect some demonstration when the first piece--the tiara--became visible, but I doubt if he expected quite what actually happened.
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading There were two armlets, a tiara, and a kind of pectoral; the latter having in high relief certain figures of almost unbearable extravagance.
reluctantadjectiveUS /rɪˈlʌktənt/
unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
repulsiveadjectiveUS /riˈpʌlsɪv/
offensive to the mind
From this reading They were, he said, of very grotesque and almost repulsive design.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading They were, he said, of very grotesque and almost repulsive design.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading He seemed to expect some demonstration when the first piece--the tiara--became visible, but I doubt if he expected quite what actually happened.
shockedadjectiveUS /ʃɑːkt/
struck with fear, dread, or consternation
From this reading As my uncle began slowly and grudgingly to unwrap the things, he urged me not to be shocked by the strangeness and frequent hideousness of the designs.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading As my uncle began slowly and grudgingly to unwrap the things, he urged me not to be shocked by the strangeness and frequent hideousness of the designs.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
strangenessnounUS /ˈstreɪndʒnəs/
unusualness as a consequence of not being well known
From this reading As my uncle began slowly and grudgingly to unwrap the things, he urged me not to be shocked by the strangeness and frequent hideousness of the designs.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were, he said, of very grotesque and almost repulsive design.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading As my uncle began slowly and grudgingly to unwrap the things, he urged me not to be shocked by the strangeness and frequent hideousness of the designs.
tiaranounUS /tiˈɑːrə/
a jeweled headdress worn by women on formal occasions
From this reading There were two armlets, a tiara, and a kind of pectoral; the latter having in high relief certain figures of almost unbearable extravagance.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading There were two armlets, a tiara, and a kind of pectoral; the latter having in high relief certain figures of almost unbearable extravagance.
unbearableadjectiveUS /ənˈberəbəl/
incapable of being tolerated or endured
From this reading There were two armlets, a tiara, and a kind of pectoral; the latter having in high relief certain figures of almost unbearable extravagance.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
unwrapverbUS /ənˈræp/
remove the outer cover or wrapping of
From this reading As my uncle began slowly and grudgingly to unwrap the things, he urged me not to be shocked by the strangeness and frequent hideousness of the designs.
past form of “urge” — force or impel in an indicated direction
From this reading As my uncle began slowly and grudgingly to unwrap the things, he urged me not to be shocked by the strangeness and frequent hideousness of the designs.
precisely as stated
From this reading They were, he said, of very grotesque and almost repulsive design.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading He seemed to expect some demonstration when the first piece--the tiara--became visible, but I doubt if he expected quite what actually happened.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He seemed to expect some demonstration when the first piece--the tiara--became visible, but I doubt if he expected quite what actually happened.
at the time that
From this reading He seemed to expect some demonstration when the first piece--the tiara--became visible, but I doubt if he expected quite what actually happened.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Some of the items were delicate and inspiring enough, but there was one box of strange old pieces descended from my mysterious great-grandmother which my uncle was almost reluctant to produce.
