used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
animatedadjectiveUS /ˈænəmeɪtɪd/
having life or vigor or spirit
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
move towards
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
Cinna
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
made known or openly avowed
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
discussionsnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃənz/
plural of “discussion” — an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
Dostauxiliary verbUS /dɑːst/
an old form of “do”, used with “thou”
From this reading Dost thou know what they seek in Egypt?"
EgyptnounUS /ˈiːdʒəpt/
a republic in northeastern Africa known as the United Arab Republic until 1971; site of an ancient civilization that flourished from 2600 to 30 BC
From this reading Dost thou know what they seek in Egypt?"
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
flocksnounUS /flɑːks/
plural of “flock” — a church congregation guided by a pastor
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
past form of “gain” — obtain
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
past form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
glooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
Hastauxiliary verbUS /hæst/
an old form of “have”, used with “thou”
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
life'snounUS /laɪfs/
possessive form of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
the natural satellite of the Earth
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
to a great degree or extent
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
not any; not one
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
openlyadverbUS /ˈoʊpənli/
in an open way
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
the time that has elapsed
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
philosophersnounUS /fəˈlɑːsəfərz/
plural of “philosopher” — a specialist in philosophy
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
(especially of incident sound or light) bent or sent back
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
riddleverbUS /ˈrɪdəl/
pierce with many holes
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
scholarsnounUS /ˈskɑːlərz/
plural of “scholar” — a learned person (especially in the humanities); someone who by long study has gained mastery in one or more disciplines
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
try to get or reach
From this reading Dost thou know what they seek in Egypt?"
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
Serapeum
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
solveverbUS /sɑːlv/
find the solution to (a problem or question) or understand the meaning of
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
plural of “soul” — the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
strivenverbUS /ˈstrɪvən/
inflected form of “strive” — attempt by employing effort
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
terracenounUS /ˈterəs/
usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
an old word for “you”, as the subject, speaking to one person
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
Timon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
Timon's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
tormentnounUS /ˈtɔːrment/
unbearable physical pain
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
transmigrationnoun
the passing of a soul into another body after death
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A certain evening, after animated discussions about the transmigration of souls, they remained alone on the terrace, from which the view was toward the sea.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Cinna, taking Timon's hand, declared openly what the great torment of his life was, and why he had striven to approach the scholars and philosophers of the Serapeum.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading Timon gazed for a time at the smooth surface of the sea, in which the new moon was reflected; then he said,-- "Hast thou seen those flocks of birds, Cinna, which fly past here in winter from northern glooms?
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "I have gained this much at least," said he; "I have learned to know you, O Timon, and I understand now that if you cannot solve my life's riddle, no other man can."
