used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading All that the city could number of rank, wealth, and beauty had received invitations, and scarcely a single apology had been returned.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
apologynounUS /əˈpɑːlədʒiː/
an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone
From this reading All that the city could number of rank, wealth, and beauty had received invitations, and scarcely a single apology had been returned.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As the day of Mr. Rooney's grand entertainment drew near, our disappointment increased tenfold at our inability to be present.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading As the day of Mr. Rooney's grand entertainment drew near, our disappointment increased tenfold at our inability to be present.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading 'Is there no possible way.' said I, as I chatted with O'Grady on the morning of the event; 'is there no chance of our getting away in time to see something of the ball at least?'
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
an unofficial association of people or groups
From this reading The band of the Fermanagh militia, at that time the most celebrated in Ireland, was brought up expressly for the occasion.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading As the day of Mr. Rooney's grand entertainment drew near, our disappointment increased tenfold at our inability to be present.
the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
From this reading All that the city could number of rank, wealth, and beauty had received invitations, and scarcely a single apology had been returned.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading All that the city could number of rank, wealth, and beauty had received invitations, and scarcely a single apology had been returned.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading The band of the Fermanagh militia, at that time the most celebrated in Ireland, was brought up expressly for the occasion.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
celebratedadjectiveUS /ˈseləbreɪtɪd/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading The band of the Fermanagh militia, at that time the most celebrated in Ireland, was brought up expressly for the occasion.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading 'Is there no possible way.' said I, as I chatted with O'Grady on the morning of the event; 'is there no chance of our getting away in time to see something of the ball at least?'
chattedverbUS /ˈtʃætəd/
inflected form of “chat” — talk socially without exchanging too much information
From this reading 'Is there no possible way.' said I, as I chatted with O'Grady on the morning of the event; 'is there no chance of our getting away in time to see something of the ball at least?'
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading All that the city could number of rank, wealth, and beauty had received invitations, and scarcely a single apology had been returned.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading All that the city could number of rank, wealth, and beauty had received invitations, and scarcely a single apology had been returned.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading As the day of Mr. Rooney's grand entertainment drew near, our disappointment increased tenfold at our inability to be present.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
From this reading As the day of Mr. Rooney's grand entertainment drew near, our disappointment increased tenfold at our inability to be present.
discussedverbUS /dɪˈskʌst/
past form of “discuss” — to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading As the day of Mr. Rooney's grand entertainment drew near, our disappointment increased tenfold at our inability to be present.
DublinnounUS /ˈdʌblɪn/
capital and largest city and major port of the Irish Republic
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
being one more than seven
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
entertainmentnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/
an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading As the day of Mr. Rooney's grand entertainment drew near, our disappointment increased tenfold at our inability to be present.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading 'Is there no possible way.' said I, as I chatted with O'Grady on the morning of the event; 'is there no chance of our getting away in time to see something of the ball at least?'
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
expresslyadverbUS /ekˈspresli/
with specific intentions; for the express purpose
From this reading The band of the Fermanagh militia, at that time the most celebrated in Ireland, was brought up expressly for the occasion.
Fermanagh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The band of the Fermanagh militia, at that time the most celebrated in Ireland, was brought up expressly for the occasion.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The band of the Fermanagh militia, at that time the most celebrated in Ireland, was brought up expressly for the occasion.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading 'Is there no possible way.' said I, as I chatted with O'Grady on the morning of the event; 'is there no chance of our getting away in time to see something of the ball at least?'
of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope
From this reading As the day of Mr. Rooney's grand entertainment drew near, our disappointment increased tenfold at our inability to be present.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading All that the city could number of rank, wealth, and beauty had received invitations, and scarcely a single apology had been returned.
ten 10s
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading 'Is there no possible way.' said I, as I chatted with O'Grady on the morning of the event; 'is there no chance of our getting away in time to see something of the ball at least?'
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
inabilitynounUS /ˌɪnəˈbɪlɪti/
lack of ability (especially mental ability) to do something
From this reading As the day of Mr. Rooney's grand entertainment drew near, our disappointment increased tenfold at our inability to be present.
made greater in size or amount or degree
From this reading As the day of Mr. Rooney's grand entertainment drew near, our disappointment increased tenfold at our inability to be present.
invitationsnounUS /ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃənz/
plural of “invitation” — a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading All that the city could number of rank, wealth, and beauty had received invitations, and scarcely a single apology had been returned.
IrelandnounUS /ˈaɪərlənd/
a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of Ireland; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1921
From this reading The band of the Fermanagh militia, at that time the most celebrated in Ireland, was brought up expressly for the occasion.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading 'Is there no possible way.' said I, as I chatted with O'Grady on the morning of the event; 'is there no chance of our getting away in time to see something of the ball at least?'
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 'Is there no possible way.' said I, as I chatted with O'Grady on the morning of the event; 'is there no chance of our getting away in time to see something of the ball at least?'
magnificencenoun
splendid or imposing in size or appearance
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
militianounUS /məˈlɪʃə/
civilians trained as soldiers but not part of the regular army
From this reading The band of the Fermanagh militia, at that time the most celebrated in Ireland, was brought up expressly for the occasion.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading 'Is there no possible way.' said I, as I chatted with O'Grady on the morning of the event; 'is there no chance of our getting away in time to see something of the ball at least?'
used to form the superlative
From this reading The band of the Fermanagh militia, at that time the most celebrated in Ireland, was brought up expressly for the occasion.
a form of address for a man
From this reading As the day of Mr. Rooney's grand entertainment drew near, our disappointment increased tenfold at our inability to be present.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading As the day of Mr. Rooney's grand entertainment drew near, our disappointment increased tenfold at our inability to be present.
not any; not one
From this reading 'Is there no possible way.' said I, as I chatted with O'Grady on the morning of the event; 'is there no chance of our getting away in time to see something of the ball at least?'
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
O'Grady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 'Is there no possible way.' said I, as I chatted with O'Grady on the morning of the event; 'is there no chance of our getting away in time to see something of the ball at least?'
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading The band of the Fermanagh militia, at that time the most celebrated in Ireland, was brought up expressly for the occasion.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading As the day of Mr. Rooney's grand entertainment drew near, our disappointment increased tenfold at our inability to be present.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading 'Is there no possible way.' said I, as I chatted with O'Grady on the morning of the event; 'is there no chance of our getting away in time to see something of the ball at least?'
and nothing more
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading As the day of Mr. Rooney's grand entertainment drew near, our disappointment increased tenfold at our inability to be present.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading 'Is there no possible way.' said I, as I chatted with O'Grady on the morning of the event; 'is there no chance of our getting away in time to see something of the ball at least?'
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading As the day of Mr. Rooney's grand entertainment drew near, our disappointment increased tenfold at our inability to be present.
a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another
From this reading All that the city could number of rank, wealth, and beauty had received invitations, and scarcely a single apology had been returned.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading All that the city could number of rank, wealth, and beauty had received invitations, and scarcely a single apology had been returned.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading All that the city could number of rank, wealth, and beauty had received invitations, and scarcely a single apology had been returned.
Rooney's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the day of Mr. Rooney's grand entertainment drew near, our disappointment increased tenfold at our inability to be present.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading 'Is there no possible way.' said I, as I chatted with O'Grady on the morning of the event; 'is there no chance of our getting away in time to see something of the ball at least?'
only a very short time before
From this reading All that the city could number of rank, wealth, and beauty had received invitations, and scarcely a single apology had been returned.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading 'Is there no possible way.' said I, as I chatted with O'Grady on the morning of the event; 'is there no chance of our getting away in time to see something of the ball at least?'
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading All that the city could number of rank, wealth, and beauty had received invitations, and scarcely a single apology had been returned.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading 'Is there no possible way.' said I, as I chatted with O'Grady on the morning of the event; 'is there no chance of our getting away in time to see something of the ball at least?'
splendournoun
a quality that outshines the usual
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
tenfoldadverbUS /ˈtenfoʊld/
by ten times as much
From this reading As the day of Mr. Rooney's grand entertainment drew near, our disappointment increased tenfold at our inability to be present.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The band of the Fermanagh militia, at that time the most celebrated in Ireland, was brought up expressly for the occasion.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading As the day of Mr. Rooney's grand entertainment drew near, our disappointment increased tenfold at our inability to be present.
in or at that place or location
From this reading 'Is there no possible way.' said I, as I chatted with O'Grady on the morning of the event; 'is there no chance of our getting away in time to see something of the ball at least?'
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The band of the Fermanagh militia, at that time the most celebrated in Ireland, was brought up expressly for the occasion.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading As the day of Mr. Rooney's grand entertainment drew near, our disappointment increased tenfold at our inability to be present.
topicnounUS /ˈtɑːpɪk/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The band of the Fermanagh militia, at that time the most celebrated in Ireland, was brought up expressly for the occasion.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading 'Is there no possible way.' said I, as I chatted with O'Grady on the morning of the event; 'is there no chance of our getting away in time to see something of the ball at least?'
the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money
From this reading All that the city could number of rank, wealth, and beauty had received invitations, and scarcely a single apology had been returned.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The only topic discussed in Dublin was the number of the guests, the splendour and magnificence of the dinner, which was to be followed by a ball, at which above eight hundred guests were expected.
in the company of; together with
From this reading 'Is there no possible way.' said I, as I chatted with O'Grady on the morning of the event; 'is there no chance of our getting away in time to see something of the ball at least?'
