used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A GHOSTLY VISITANT.
(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 It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
asceticismnoun
the doctrine that through renunciation of worldly pleasures it is possible to achieve a high spiritual or intellectual state
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
assignedadjectiveUS /əˈsaɪnd/
appointed to a post or duty
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
bas-relief
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Over the richly carved mantelpiece in Blanka's sleeping-room was what looked like a splendid bas-relief in marble.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
Blanka's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Over the richly carved mantelpiece in Blanka's sleeping-room was what looked like a splendid bas-relief in marble.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
carvedadjectiveUS /kɑːrvd/
made for or formed by carving (“carven” is archaic or literary)
From this reading Over the richly carved mantelpiece in Blanka's sleeping-room was what looked like a splendid bas-relief in marble.
chiselnounUS /ˈtʃɪzəl/
an edge tool with a flat steel blade with a cutting edge
From this reading It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
cleverlyadverbUS /ˈklevərli/
in a clever manner
From this reading It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
condemnedverbUS /kənˈdemd/
past form of “condemn” — express strong disapproval of
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
deceptionnounUS /dɪˈsepʃən/
a misleading falsehood
From this reading It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
detectverbUS /dɪˈtekt/
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
dwelling-place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
earthlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrθli/
of or belonging to or characteristic of this earth as distinguished from heaven
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
divisible by two
From this reading It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
the state or fact of existing
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
fittedadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtəd/
being the right size and shape to fit as desired
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
fleetingadjectiveUS /ˈfliːtɪŋ/
lasting for a markedly brief time
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
GHOSTLYadjectiveUS /ˈɡoʊstli/
resembling or characteristic of a phantom
From this reading A GHOSTLY VISITANT.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
imitatingverbUS /ˈɪməteɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “imitate” — reproduce someone's behavior or looks
From this reading It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Over the richly carved mantelpiece in Blanka's sleeping-room was what looked like a splendid bas-relief in marble.
inspectionnounUS /ˌɪnˈspekʃən/
a formal or official examination
From this reading It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
ironynounUS /ˈaɪrəni/
witty language used to convey insults or scorn
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
joysnounUS /dʒɔɪz/
plural of “joy” — the emotion of great happiness
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Over the richly carved mantelpiece in Blanka's sleeping-room was what looked like a splendid bas-relief in marble.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Over the richly carved mantelpiece in Blanka's sleeping-room was what looked like a splendid bas-relief in marble.
love-palace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
lyrenounUS /laɪr/
a harp used by ancient Greeks for accompaniment
From this reading It represented a recumbent Sappho playing on a nine-stringed lyre.
mansionnounUS /ˈmænʃən/
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
mantelpiecenoun
shelf that projects from wall above fireplace
From this reading Over the richly carved mantelpiece in Blanka's sleeping-room was what looked like a splendid bas-relief in marble.
a hard crystalline metamorphic rock that takes a high polish; used for sculpture and as building material
From this reading Over the richly carved mantelpiece in Blanka's sleeping-room was what looked like a splendid bas-relief in marble.
nine-stringed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It represented a recumbent Sappho playing on a nine-stringed lyre.
not any; not one
From this reading It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It represented a recumbent Sappho playing on a nine-stringed lyre.
originallyadverbUS /ərˈɪdʒənəli/
in an original manner
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
OverprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Over the richly carved mantelpiece in Blanka's sleeping-room was what looked like a splendid bas-relief in marble.
paintingnounUS /ˈpeɪntɪŋ/
graphic art consisting of an artistic composition made by applying paints to a surface
From this reading It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
permanentadjectiveUS /ˈpɜːrmənənt/
continuing or enduring without marked change in status or condition or place
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
the act of playing a musical instrument
From this reading It represented a recumbent Sappho playing on a nine-stringed lyre.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you
From this reading It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
recumbentadjective
lying down; in a position of comfort or rest
From this reading It represented a recumbent Sappho playing on a nine-stringed lyre.
represented accurately or precisely
From this reading It represented a recumbent Sappho playing on a nine-stringed lyre.
richlyadverbUS /ˈrɪtʃli/
to an ample degree or in an ample manner
From this reading Over the richly carved mantelpiece in Blanka's sleeping-room was what looked like a splendid bas-relief in marble.
Sapphonoun
the Greek lyric poet of Lesbos; much admired although only fragments of her poetry have been preserved (6th century BC)
From this reading It represented a recumbent Sappho playing on a nine-stringed lyre.
sculptor's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
skilfuladjective
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
From this reading It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
sleeping-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Over the richly carved mantelpiece in Blanka's sleeping-room was what looked like a splendid bas-relief in marble.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
having great beauty and splendor
From this reading Over the richly carved mantelpiece in Blanka's sleeping-room was what looked like a splendid bas-relief in marble.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
thirstnounUS /θɜːrst/
a physiological need to drink
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
unquenchableadjective
impossible to quench
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
VISITANTnoun
someone who visits
From this reading A GHOSTLY VISITANT.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Over the richly carved mantelpiece in Blanka's sleeping-room was what looked like a splendid bas-relief in marble.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading It was the irony of fate that the mansion which had been assigned as a permanent dwelling-place to the woman condemned to a life of asceticism, had been originally fitted up as a fairy love-palace for a beautiful creature, possessed of an unquenchable thirst for the fleeting joys of this earthly existence.
wonderfullyadverbUS /ˈwʌndərfəli/
(used as an intensifier) extremely well
From this reading It was in reality no bas-relief at all, but a wonderfully skilful bit of painting, so cleverly imitating the sculptor's chisel that even a closer inspection failed to detect the deception.
