Chapter I · Chapter 1

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

given as a task

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Nina Balatka was the daughter of one Josef Balatka, an old merchant of Prague, who was living at the time of this story; but Nina's mother was dead.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In business with Trendellsohn, the father, there was Anton, his son; and Anton Trendellsohn was the Jew whom Nina Balatka loved.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Nina Balatka was the daughter of one Josef Balatka, an old merchant of Prague, who was living at the time of this story; but Nina's mother was dead.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

brought into existence

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

relating to or characteristic of Christianity

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

being joined in close association

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

accepted or habitual practice

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

a female human offspring

From this reading Nina Balatka was the daughter of one Josef Balatka, an old merchant of Prague, who was living at the time of this story; but Nina's mother was dead.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading Nina Balatka was the daughter of one Josef Balatka, an old merchant of Prague, who was living at the time of this story; but Nina's mother was dead.

past form of “drift” — be in motion due to some air or water current

From this reading Now it had so happened that Josef Balatka, Nina's father, had drifted out of a partnership with Karil Zamenoy, a wealthy Christian merchant of Prague, and had drifted into a partnership with Trendellsohn.

forced or compelled or put in force

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading In business with Trendellsohn, the father, there was Anton, his son; and Anton Trendellsohn was the Jew whom Nina Balatka loved.

the native habitat or home of an animal or plant

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading Now it had so happened that Josef Balatka, Nina's father, had drifted out of a partnership with Karil Zamenoy, a wealthy Christian merchant of Prague, and had drifted into a partnership with Trendellsohn.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Now it had so happened that Josef Balatka, Nina's father, had drifted out of a partnership with Karil Zamenoy, a wealthy Christian merchant of Prague, and had drifted into a partnership with Trendellsohn.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

a person belonging to the worldwide group claiming descent from Jacob (or converted to it) and connected by cultural or religious ties

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

plural of “jew” — a person belonging to the worldwide group claiming descent from Jacob (or converted to it) and connected by cultural or religious ties

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nina Balatka was the daughter of one Josef Balatka, an old merchant of Prague, who was living at the time of this story; but Nina's mother was dead.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Now it had so happened that Josef Balatka, Nina's father, had drifted out of a partnership with Karil Zamenoy, a wealthy Christian merchant of Prague, and had drifted into a partnership with Trendellsohn.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading Nina Balatka was the daughter of one Josef Balatka, an old merchant of Prague, who was living at the time of this story; but Nina's mother was dead.

held dear

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

an unmarried girl (especially a virgin)

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.

From this reading Nina Balatka was the daughter of one Josef Balatka, an old merchant of Prague, who was living at the time of this story; but Nina's mother was dead.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Nina Balatka was the daughter of one Josef Balatka, an old merchant of Prague, who was living at the time of this story; but Nina's mother was dead.

past form of “name” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

the Babylonian goddess of the watery deep and daughter of Ea

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nina Balatka was the daughter of one Josef Balatka, an old merchant of Prague, who was living at the time of this story; but Nina's mother was dead.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Nina Balatka was the daughter of one Josef Balatka, an old merchant of Prague, who was living at the time of this story; but Nina's mother was dead.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Nina Balatka was the daughter of one Josef Balatka, an old merchant of Prague, who was living at the time of this story; but Nina's mother was dead.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Now it had so happened that Josef Balatka, Nina's father, had drifted out of a partnership with Karil Zamenoy, a wealthy Christian merchant of Prague, and had drifted into a partnership with Trendellsohn.

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

the members of a business venture created by contract

From this reading Now it had so happened that Josef Balatka, Nina's father, had drifted out of a partnership with Karil Zamenoy, a wealthy Christian merchant of Prague, and had drifted into a partnership with Trendellsohn.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic in the western part of the country; a cultural and commercial center since the 14th century

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

one of four equal parts

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Now it had so happened that Josef Balatka, Nina's father, had drifted out of a partnership with Karil Zamenoy, a wealthy Christian merchant of Prague, and had drifted into a partnership with Trendellsohn.

a male human offspring

From this reading In business with Trendellsohn, the father, there was Anton, his son; and Anton Trendellsohn was the Jew whom Nina Balatka loved.

not in physical motion

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Nina Balatka was the daughter of one Josef Balatka, an old merchant of Prague, who was living at the time of this story; but Nina's mother was dead.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

in or at that place or location

From this reading In business with Trendellsohn, the father, there was Anton, his son; and Anton Trendellsohn was the Jew whom Nina Balatka loved.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Nina Balatka was the daughter of one Josef Balatka, an old merchant of Prague, who was living at the time of this story; but Nina's mother was dead.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Nina Balatka was a maiden of Prague, born of Christian parents, and herself a Christian--but she loved a Jew; and this is her story.

having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value

From this reading Now it had so happened that Josef Balatka, Nina's father, had drifted out of a partnership with Karil Zamenoy, a wealthy Christian merchant of Prague, and had drifted into a partnership with Trendellsohn.

which person or people

From this reading Nina Balatka was the daughter of one Josef Balatka, an old merchant of Prague, who was living at the time of this story; but Nina's mother was dead.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading In business with Trendellsohn, the father, there was Anton, his son; and Anton Trendellsohn was the Jew whom Nina Balatka loved.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Josef, in the course of his business, had become closely connected with a certain Jew named Trendellsohn, who lived in a mean house in the Jews' quarter in Prague--habitation in that one allotted portion of the town having been the enforced custom with the Jews then, as it still is now.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Now it had so happened that Josef Balatka, Nina's father, had drifted out of a partnership with Karil Zamenoy, a wealthy Christian merchant of Prague, and had drifted into a partnership with Trendellsohn.