used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
plural of “adventure” — a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
AmongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Beasts and birds are frequent in Gaelic tales yet; but they never fill the chief rôle in any tale.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At most they are friends of the hero, and help him; not infrequently he could not gain victory without them.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading If on the bad side, the rôle is more prominent, a monster, or terrible beast, may be the leading opponent, or be one in a series of powerful enemies.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading If on the bad side, the rôle is more prominent, a monster, or terrible beast, may be the leading opponent, or be one in a series of powerful enemies.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading If on the bad side, the rôle is more prominent, a monster, or terrible beast, may be the leading opponent, or be one in a series of powerful enemies.
plural of “beast” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Beasts and birds are frequent in Gaelic tales yet; but they never fill the chief rôle in any tale.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
a person who is in charge
From this reading Beasts and birds are frequent in Gaelic tales yet; but they never fill the chief rôle in any tale.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading At most they are friends of the hero, and help him; not infrequently he could not gain victory without them.
plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
earliestadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrliəst/
(comparative and superlative of “early”) more early than; most early
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
elementsnounUS /ˈeləmənts/
violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements)
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
plural of “enemy” — an opposing military force
From this reading If on the bad side, the rôle is more prominent, a monster, or terrible beast, may be the leading opponent, or be one in a series of powerful enemies.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
make full, also in a metaphorical sense
From this reading Beasts and birds are frequent in Gaelic tales yet; but they never fill the chief rôle in any tale.
frequentverbUS /ˈfriːkwənt/
do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
From this reading Beasts and birds are frequent in Gaelic tales yet; but they never fill the chief rôle in any tale.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading At most they are friends of the hero, and help him; not infrequently he could not gain victory without them.
GaelicadjectiveUS /ˈɡeɪlɪk/
relating to or characteristic of the Celts
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
obtain
From this reading At most they are friends of the hero, and help him; not infrequently he could not gain victory without them.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading At most they are friends of the hero, and help him; not infrequently he could not gain victory without them.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading At most they are friends of the hero, and help him; not infrequently he could not gain victory without them.
a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading At most they are friends of the hero, and help him; not infrequently he could not gain victory without them.
heroesnounUS /ˈhɪroʊz/
plural of “hero” — a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading At most they are friends of the hero, and help him; not infrequently he could not gain victory without them.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If on the bad side, the rôle is more prominent, a monster, or terrible beast, may be the leading opponent, or be one in a series of powerful enemies.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
infrequentlyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈfriːkwəntli/
not many times
From this reading At most they are friends of the hero, and help him; not infrequently he could not gain victory without them.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading If on the bad side, the rôle is more prominent, a monster, or terrible beast, may be the leading opponent, or be one in a series of powerful enemies.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
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 Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading If on the bad side, the rôle is more prominent, a monster, or terrible beast, may be the leading opponent, or be one in a series of powerful enemies.
monsternounUS /ˈmɑːnstər/
an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts
From this reading If on the bad side, the rôle is more prominent, a monster, or terrible beast, may be the leading opponent, or be one in a series of powerful enemies.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading If on the bad side, the rôle is more prominent, a monster, or terrible beast, may be the leading opponent, or be one in a series of powerful enemies.
used to form the superlative
From this reading At most they are friends of the hero, and help him; not infrequently he could not gain victory without them.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Beasts and birds are frequent in Gaelic tales yet; but they never fill the chief rôle in any tale.
non-human
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading At most they are friends of the hero, and help him; not infrequently he could not gain victory without them.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading If on the bad side, the rôle is more prominent, a monster, or terrible beast, may be the leading opponent, or be one in a series of powerful enemies.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading If on the bad side, the rôle is more prominent, a monster, or terrible beast, may be the leading opponent, or be one in a series of powerful enemies.
opponentnounUS /əˈpoʊnənt/
a contestant that you are matched against
From this reading If on the bad side, the rôle is more prominent, a monster, or terrible beast, may be the leading opponent, or be one in a series of powerful enemies.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading If on the bad side, the rôle is more prominent, a monster, or terrible beast, may be the leading opponent, or be one in a series of powerful enemies.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
an amount of time
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
phenomenanounUS /fəˈnɑːmənə/
plural of “phenomenon” — any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
having great power or force or potency or effect
From this reading If on the bad side, the rôle is more prominent, a monster, or terrible beast, may be the leading opponent, or be one in a series of powerful enemies.
predominateverbUS /prɪˈdɑːməneɪt/
be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
primitiveadjectiveUS /ˈprɪmətɪv/
belonging to an early stage of technical development; characterized by simplicity and (often) crudeness
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
prominentadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːmənənt/
having a quality that thrusts itself into attention
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
remoteadjectiveUS /rɪˈmoʊt/
located far away spatially
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
rôle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beasts and birds are frequent in Gaelic tales yet; but they never fill the chief rôle in any tale.
similar things placed in order or happening one after another
From this reading If on the bad side, the rôle is more prominent, a monster, or terrible beast, may be the leading opponent, or be one in a series of powerful enemies.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading If on the bad side, the rôle is more prominent, a monster, or terrible beast, may be the leading opponent, or be one in a series of powerful enemies.
marked by correspondence or resemblance
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
to a sufficient degree
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading Beasts and birds are frequent in Gaelic tales yet; but they never fill the chief rôle in any tale.
plural of “tale” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading If on the bad side, the rôle is more prominent, a monster, or terrible beast, may be the leading opponent, or be one in a series of powerful enemies.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading At most they are friends of the hero, and help him; not infrequently he could not gain victory without them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
a successful ending of a struggle or contest
From this reading At most they are friends of the hero, and help him; not infrequently he could not gain victory without them.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In a time sufficiently remote, Gaelic tales were made up altogether of the adventures of non-human heroes similar to those in the tales of America,—that is, heroes in the character of beasts, birds, and other living creatures, as well as the phenomena and elements of nature.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Among Gaelic tales there are few in which the heroes are of the earliest period, though there are many in which primitive elements are prominent, and some in which they predominate.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading At most they are friends of the hero, and help him; not infrequently he could not gain victory without them.
but in spite of that
From this reading Beasts and birds are frequent in Gaelic tales yet; but they never fill the chief rôle in any tale.
