2
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OUR FRIENDS THE BONZES September 2d.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
approachverbUS /əˈproʊtʃ/
move towards
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Not a creature to be seen on the time- worn granite steps; not a creature beneath the vast, sumptuous porticoes; the colors, the gold-work are dim with dust.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Not a creature to be seen on the time- worn granite steps; not a creature beneath the vast, sumptuous porticoes; the colors, the gold-work are dim with dust.
beneathprepositionUS /bɪˈniːθ/
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading Not a creature to be seen on the time- worn granite steps; not a creature beneath the vast, sumptuous porticoes; the colors, the gold-work are dim with dust.
BONZES
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OUR FRIENDS THE BONZES September 2d.
broadadjectiveUS /brɔːd/
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
bustlingadjectiveUS /ˈbʌsəlɪŋ/
full of energetic and noisy activity
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
colorsnounUS /ˈkʌlərz/
a flag that shows its nationality
From this reading Not a creature to be seen on the time- worn granite steps; not a creature beneath the vast, sumptuous porticoes; the colors, the gold-work are dim with dust.
courtyardsnounUS /ˈkɔːrtjɑːrdz/
plural of “courtyard” — an area wholly or partly surrounded by walls or buildings
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
creaturenounUS /ˈkriːtʃər/
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading Not a creature to be seen on the time- worn granite steps; not a creature beneath the vast, sumptuous porticoes; the colors, the gold-work are dim with dust.
crossverbUS /krɔːs/
travel across or pass over
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
dnounUS /diː/
a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets
From this reading OUR FRIENDS THE BONZES September 2d.
daylightnounUS /ˈdeɪlaɪt/
the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
deathlikeadjective
having the physical appearance of death
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
decaynounUS /dɪˈkeɪ/
the process of gradually becoming inferior
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
desertedadjectiveUS /dɪˈzɜːrtɪd/
forsaken by owner or inhabitants
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
dimadjectiveUS /dɪm/
lacking in light; not bright or harsh
From this reading Not a creature to be seen on the time- worn granite steps; not a creature beneath the vast, sumptuous porticoes; the colors, the gold-work are dim with dust.
dustverbUS /dʌst/
remove the dust from
From this reading Not a creature to be seen on the time- worn granite steps; not a creature beneath the vast, sumptuous porticoes; the colors, the gold-work are dim with dust.
endlessadjectiveUS /ˈendləs/
tiresomely long; seemingly without end
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
eveningsnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋz/
plural of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
faradverbUS /fɑːr/
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
FatenounUS /feɪt/
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
favoredadjectiveUS /ˈfeɪvərd/
preferred above all others and treated with partiality
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
festivalnounUS /ˈfestəvəl/
a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
filledadjectiveUS /fɪld/
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
FRIENDSnounUS /frendz/
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading OUR FRIENDS THE BONZES September 2d.
friendshipnounUS /ˈfrendʃɪp/
the state of being friends (or friendly)
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
gatewaysnounUS /ˈɡeɪtweɪz/
plural of “gateway” — an entrance that can be closed by a gate
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
gold-work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not a creature to be seen on the time- worn granite steps; not a creature beneath the vast, sumptuous porticoes; the colors, the gold-work are dim with dust.
granitenounUS /ˈɡrænət/
plutonic igneous rock having visibly crystalline texture; generally composed of feldspar and mica and quartz
From this reading Not a creature to be seen on the time- worn granite steps; not a creature beneath the vast, sumptuous porticoes; the colors, the gold-work are dim with dust.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
headnounUS /hed/
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
humanitynounUS /hjuːˈmænɪti/
the quality of being humane
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
innumerableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈnuːmərəbəl/
too numerous to be counted
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
jumpingnounUS /ˈdʒʌmpɪŋ/
the act of participating in an athletic competition in which you must jump
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
lastadjectiveUS /læst/
immediately past
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
lifenounUS /laɪf/
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
monthnounUS /mʌnθ/
one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
mountain-side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
nightnounUS /naɪt/
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
noisesnounUS /ˈnɔɪzɪz/
plural of “noise” — sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
NotadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not a creature to be seen on the time- worn granite steps; not a creature beneath the vast, sumptuous porticoes; the colors, the gold-work are dim with dust.
nowadverbUS /naʊ/
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
OURdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading OUR FRIENDS THE BONZES September 2d.
passverbUS /pæs/
go across or through
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
pilgrimagenounUS /ˈpɪlɡrəmədʒ/
a journey to a sacred place
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
placenounUS /pleɪs/
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
porticoes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Not a creature to be seen on the time- worn granite steps; not a creature beneath the vast, sumptuous porticoes; the colors, the gold-work are dim with dust.
rareadjectiveUS /rer/
not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
reachverbUS /riːtʃ/
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
regionnounUS /ˈriːdʒən/
the extended spatial location of something
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
risingadjectiveUS /ˈraɪzɪŋ/
advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
sacredadjectiveUS /ˈseɪkrəd/
concerned with religion or religious purposes
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
seemedverbUS /siːmd/
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
seenverbUS /siːn/
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Not a creature to be seen on the time- worn granite steps; not a creature beneath the vast, sumptuous porticoes; the colors, the gold-work are dim with dust.
SeptembernounUS /sepˈtembər/
the month following August and preceding October
From this reading OUR FRIENDS THE BONZES September 2d.
severaladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
solemnadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləm/
dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
solitaryadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləteri/
characterized by or preferring solitude
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
stairsnounUS /sterz/
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
stepsnounUS /steps/
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading Not a creature to be seen on the time- worn granite steps; not a creature beneath the vast, sumptuous porticoes; the colors, the gold-work are dim with dust.
strangeadjectiveUS /streɪndʒ/
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
sumptuousadjectiveUS /ˈsʌmptʃwəs/
ostentatiously rich and superior in quality
From this reading Not a creature to be seen on the time- worn granite steps; not a creature beneath the vast, sumptuous porticoes; the colors, the gold-work are dim with dust.
surprisedadjectiveUS /sərˈpraɪzd/
taken unawares or suddenly and feeling wonder or astonishment
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
surprisingadjectiveUS /sərˈpraɪzɪŋ/
causing surprise or wonder or amazement
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
surroundingsnounUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋz/
the environmental condition
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
templenounUS /ˈtempəl/
place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
terracedverbUS /ˈterəst/
past form of “terrace” — provide (a house) with a terrace
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading OUR FRIENDS THE BONZES September 2d.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
throngedadjectiveUS /θrɔːŋd/
filled with great numbers crowded together
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
throughprepositionUS /θruː/
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
timenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Not a creature to be seen on the time- worn granite steps; not a creature beneath the vast, sumptuous porticoes; the colors, the gold-work are dim with dust.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
tombsnounUS /tuːmz/
plural of “tomb” — a place for the burial of a corpse (especially beneath the ground and marked by a tombstone)
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
TortoisenounUS /ˈtɔːrtəs/
usually herbivorous land turtles having clawed elephant-like limbs; worldwide in arid area except Australia and Antarctica
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
townnounUS /taʊn/
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading To reach the temple one must cross several deserted courtyards terraced on the mountain-side, pass through several solemn gateways, and up and up endless stairs rising far above the town and the noises of humanity into a sacred region filled with innumerable tombs.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
vastadjectiveUS /væst/
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading Not a creature to be seen on the time- worn granite steps; not a creature beneath the vast, sumptuous porticoes; the colors, the gold-work are dim with dust.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The approach to this place is as solitary now as it was thronged and bustling on the evenings of the festival; and in broad daylight one is surprised at the deathlike decay of the sacred surroundings which at night had seemed so full of life.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
witnessedverbUS /ˈwɪtnəst/
past form of “witness” — be a witness to
From this reading Fate has favored us with a friendship as strange as it is rare: that of the head bonzes of the temple of the jumping Tortoise, where we witnessed last month such a surprising pilgrimage.
wornverbUS /wɔːrn/
Damaged or thinned by continuous use.
From this reading Not a creature to be seen on the time- worn granite steps; not a creature beneath the vast, sumptuous porticoes; the colors, the gold-work are dim with dust.
