used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading M. Mabœuf could only cultivate in it a few rare plants which are fond of moisture and shade.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Marius no longer called on any one, but at times he came across Father Mabœuf.
(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 The Flora of Cauteretz did not sell at all now, and the indigo experiments had not been successful in the little garden of Austerlitz, which was badly situated.
in addition
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading FATHER MABŒUF HAS AN APPARITION.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Marius no longer called on any one, but at times he came across Father Mabœuf.
APPARITIONnounUS /ˌæpərˈɪʃən/
a ghostly appearing figure
From this reading FATHER MABŒUF HAS AN APPARITION.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading M. Mabœuf could only cultivate in it a few rare plants which are fond of moisture and shade.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Marius no longer called on any one, but at times he came across Father Mabœuf.
Austerlitznoun
a town in Czech Republic; site of the battle of Austerlitz in 1805
From this reading The Flora of Cauteretz did not sell at all now, and the indigo experiments had not been successful in the little garden of Austerlitz, which was badly situated.
to a severe or serious degree
From this reading The Flora of Cauteretz did not sell at all now, and the indigo experiments had not been successful in the little garden of Austerlitz, which was badly situated.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The Flora of Cauteretz did not sell at all now, and the indigo experiments had not been successful in the little garden of Austerlitz, which was badly situated.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Marius no longer called on any one, but at times he came across Father Mabœuf.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Marius no longer called on any one, but at times he came across Father Mabœuf.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Marius no longer called on any one, but at times he came across Father Mabœuf.
Cauteretz
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Flora of Cauteretz did not sell at all now, and the indigo experiments had not been successful in the little garden of Austerlitz, which was badly situated.
cellarnounUS /ˈselər/
the lowermost portion of a structure partly or wholly below ground level; often used for storage
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading M. Mabœuf could only cultivate in it a few rare plants which are fond of moisture and shade.
cultivateverbUS /ˈkʌltəveɪt/
foster the growth of
From this reading M. Mabœuf could only cultivate in it a few rare plants which are fond of moisture and shade.
descendingadjectiveUS /dɪˈsendɪŋ/
coming down or downward
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The Flora of Cauteretz did not sell at all now, and the indigo experiments had not been successful in the little garden of Austerlitz, which was badly situated.
experimentsnounUS /ɪkˈsperəmənts/
plural of “experiment” — the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
From this reading The Flora of Cauteretz did not sell at all now, and the indigo experiments had not been successful in the little garden of Austerlitz, which was badly situated.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading FATHER MABŒUF HAS AN APPARITION.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading M. Mabœuf could only cultivate in it a few rare plants which are fond of moisture and shade.
FloranounUS /ˈflɔːrə/
all the plant life in a particular region or period
From this reading The Flora of Cauteretz did not sell at all now, and the indigo experiments had not been successful in the little garden of Austerlitz, which was badly situated.
having or displaying warmth or affection
From this reading M. Mabœuf could only cultivate in it a few rare plants which are fond of moisture and shade.
plural of “footstep” — the sound of a step of someone walking
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading The Flora of Cauteretz did not sell at all now, and the indigo experiments had not been successful in the little garden of Austerlitz, which was badly situated.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The Flora of Cauteretz did not sell at all now, and the indigo experiments had not been successful in the little garden of Austerlitz, which was badly situated.
HASauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading FATHER MABŒUF HAS AN APPARITION.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Marius no longer called on any one, but at times he came across Father Mabœuf.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The Flora of Cauteretz did not sell at all now, and the indigo experiments had not been successful in the little garden of Austerlitz, which was badly situated.
indigonounUS /ˈɪndəɡoʊ/
a blue dye obtained from plants or made synthetically
From this reading The Flora of Cauteretz did not sell at all now, and the indigo experiments had not been successful in the little garden of Austerlitz, which was badly situated.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading M. Mabœuf could only cultivate in it a few rare plants which are fond of moisture and shade.
take somebody somewhere
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The Flora of Cauteretz did not sell at all now, and the indigo experiments had not been successful in the little garden of Austerlitz, which was badly situated.
for more time
From this reading Marius no longer called on any one, but at times he came across Father Mabœuf.
the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
MABŒUF
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FATHER MABŒUF HAS AN APPARITION.
Marius
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Marius no longer called on any one, but at times he came across Father Mabœuf.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
moisturenounUS /ˈmɔɪstʃər/
wetness caused by water
From this reading M. Mabœuf could only cultivate in it a few rare plants which are fond of moisture and shade.
mournfuladjectiveUS /ˈmɔːrnfəl/
expressing sorrow
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
not any; not one
From this reading Marius no longer called on any one, but at times he came across Father Mabœuf.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The Flora of Cauteretz did not sell at all now, and the indigo experiments had not been successful in the little garden of Austerlitz, which was badly situated.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The Flora of Cauteretz did not sell at all now, and the indigo experiments had not been successful in the little garden of Austerlitz, which was badly situated.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Marius no longer called on any one, but at times he came across Father Mabœuf.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Marius no longer called on any one, but at times he came across Father Mabœuf.
and nothing more
From this reading M. Mabœuf could only cultivate in it a few rare plants which are fond of moisture and shade.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
plantsnounUS /plænts/
plural of “plant” — buildings for carrying on industrial labor
From this reading M. Mabœuf could only cultivate in it a few rare plants which are fond of moisture and shade.
prosperousadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːspərəs/
in fortunate circumstances financially; moderately rich
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
From this reading M. Mabœuf could only cultivate in it a few rare plants which are fond of moisture and shade.
exchange or deliver for money or its equivalent
From this reading The Flora of Cauteretz did not sell at all now, and the indigo experiments had not been successful in the little garden of Austerlitz, which was badly situated.
relative darkness caused by light rays being intercepted by an opaque body
From this reading M. Mabœuf could only cultivate in it a few rare plants which are fond of moisture and shade.
situatedadjectiveUS /ˈsɪtʃuːeɪtɪd/
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading The Flora of Cauteretz did not sell at all now, and the indigo experiments had not been successful in the little garden of Austerlitz, which was badly situated.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
From this reading The Flora of Cauteretz did not sell at all now, and the indigo experiments had not been successful in the little garden of Austerlitz, which was badly situated.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Marius no longer called on any one, but at times he came across Father Mabœuf.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading While Marius was slowly descending the mournful steps which might be called the cellar stairs, and lead to places without light, on which you hear the footsteps of the prosperous above your head, M. Mabœuf was also descending.
