used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
a positive feeling of liking
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
(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 Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
befellverbUS /bɪˈfel/
inflected form of “befall” — become of; happen to
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
blankadjectiveUS /blæŋk/
(of a surface) not written or printed on
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
budsnounUS /bʌdz/
plural of “bud” — a partially opened flower
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
compareverbUS /kəmˈper/
examine and note the similarities or differences of
From this reading Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
a special loved one
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
the specified day of the month
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
comparative of “deeply” — to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
to the same degree (often followed by “as”)
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
continuing forever or indefinitely
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
Ethel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
an item of information that is typical of a class or group
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
fadeverbUS /feɪd/
become less clearly visible or distinguishable; disappear gradually or seemingly
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
fellow-creatures
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
having unexpected good fortune
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
hathauxiliary verbUS /hæθ/
an old form of “has”
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
leasenounUS /liːs/
property that is leased or rented out or let
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
lotterynounUS /ˈlɑːtəri/
something that is regarded as a chance event
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
appealing to the emotions as well as the eye
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
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 Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
the act of departing politely
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
having or caused by an irregular surface
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
in an unfortunate way
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
move or cause to move back and forth
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
SHAKSPEARE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SHAKSPEARE.
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
summer'snounUS /ˈsʌmərz/
possessive form of “summer” — the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox
From this reading Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
summingverbUS /ˈsʌmɪŋ/
inflected form of “sum” — be a summary of
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
temperateadjectiveUS /ˈtemprət/
(of weather or climate) free from extremes; mild; or characteristic of such weather or climate
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
a tendency to express warm and affectionate feeling
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
an old word for “you”, as the object, speaking to one person
From this reading Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
an old word for “you”, as the subject, speaking to one person
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
an old word for “your”, speaking to one person
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
ticketnounUS /ˈtɪkət/
a commercial document showing that the holder is entitled to something (as to ride on public transportation or to enter a public entertainment)
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
Villiers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
plural of “wind” — air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Thou art more lovely and more temperate; Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date; But thy eternal summer shall not fade.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading Here was an example before their eyes, that all their fellow-creatures were not equally fortunate in the lottery of life, and that worse than a blank befell many, while the ticket which they had drawn was a prize beyond all summing.
but in spite of that
From this reading Parting thus sadly from their unfortunate cousin, Villiers and Ethel were drawn together yet nearer, and, if possible, with a deeper tenderness of affection than before.
