used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
activitynounUS /ækˈtɪvəti/
any specific behavior
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading He allowed little indeed to be seen of the austere dignity of the future partner, while he made extensive use of his freedom as a volunteer.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading The house of Clifford, as already hinted, was one of the most important in the town.
pleasantly occupied
From this reading His brother noticed with great displeasure that he looked on the whole thing as a kind of entertainment with which he amused himself, and of which the chief attraction was its novelty.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The house of Clifford, as already hinted, was one of the most important in the town.
attendantsnounUS /əˈtendənts/
plural of “attendant” — someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
attractionnounUS /əˈtrækʃən/
the force by which one object attracts another
From this reading His brother noticed with great displeasure that he looked on the whole thing as a kind of entertainment with which he amused himself, and of which the chief attraction was its novelty.
austereadjectiveUS /ɔːˈstɪr/
severely simple
From this reading He allowed little indeed to be seen of the austere dignity of the future partner, while he made extensive use of his freedom as a volunteer.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He allowed little indeed to be seen of the austere dignity of the future partner, while he made extensive use of his freedom as a volunteer.
past form of “betray” — reveal unintentionally
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading His brother noticed with great displeasure that he looked on the whole thing as a kind of entertainment with which he amused himself, and of which the chief attraction was its novelty.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
a person who is in charge
From this reading His brother noticed with great displeasure that he looked on the whole thing as a kind of entertainment with which he amused himself, and of which the chief attraction was its novelty.
clerksnounUS /klɜːrks/
plural of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
Clifford
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The house of Clifford, as already hinted, was one of the most important in the town.
commercialadjectiveUS /kəˈmɜːrʃəl/
connected with or engaged in or sponsored by or used in commerce or commercial enterprises
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
conspicuousadjectiveUS /kənˈspɪkjuːəs/
obvious to the eye or mind
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
unvarying in nature
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
destinedadjectiveUS /ˈdestɪnd/
headed or intending to head in a certain direction; often used as a combining form as in “college-bound students”
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
displeasurenounUS /dɪˈspleʒər/
the feeling of being displeased or annoyed or dissatisfied with someone or something
From this reading His brother noticed with great displeasure that he looked on the whole thing as a kind of entertainment with which he amused himself, and of which the chief attraction was its novelty.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
entertainmentnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/
an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading His brother noticed with great displeasure that he looked on the whole thing as a kind of entertainment with which he amused himself, and of which the chief attraction was its novelty.
a feeling of excitement
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
divisible by two
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
extensiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈstensɪv/
large in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity
From this reading He allowed little indeed to be seen of the austere dignity of the future partner, while he made extensive use of his freedom as a volunteer.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
From this reading He allowed little indeed to be seen of the austere dignity of the future partner, while he made extensive use of his freedom as a volunteer.
yet to be or coming
From this reading He allowed little indeed to be seen of the austere dignity of the future partner, while he made extensive use of his freedom as a volunteer.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
Gustave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His brother noticed with great displeasure that he looked on the whole thing as a kind of entertainment with which he amused himself, and of which the chief attraction was its novelty.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading His brother noticed with great displeasure that he looked on the whole thing as a kind of entertainment with which he amused himself, and of which the chief attraction was its novelty.
hintedverbUS /ˈhɪntəd/
past form of “hint” — drop a hint; intimate by a hint
From this reading The house of Clifford, as already hinted, was one of the most important in the town.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
the act of retaining something
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The house of Clifford, as already hinted, was one of the most important in the town.
the quality of being important and worthy of note
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
of great significance or value
From this reading The house of Clifford, as already hinted, was one of the most important in the town.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The house of Clifford, as already hinted, was one of the most important in the town.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading His brother noticed with great displeasure that he looked on the whole thing as a kind of entertainment with which he amused himself, and of which the chief attraction was its novelty.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading His brother noticed with great displeasure that he looked on the whole thing as a kind of entertainment with which he amused himself, and of which the chief attraction was its novelty.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading His brother noticed with great displeasure that he looked on the whole thing as a kind of entertainment with which he amused himself, and of which the chief attraction was its novelty.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading He allowed little indeed to be seen of the austere dignity of the future partner, while he made extensive use of his freedom as a volunteer.
mercantileadjectiveUS /ˈmɜːrkəntaɪl/
of or relating to the economic system of mercantilism
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
modestadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdəst/
marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The house of Clifford, as already hinted, was one of the most important in the town.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
being perceived or observed
From this reading His brother noticed with great displeasure that he looked on the whole thing as a kind of entertainment with which he amused himself, and of which the chief attraction was its novelty.
noveltynounUS /ˈnɑːvəlti/
originality by virtue of being refreshingly novel
From this reading His brother noticed with great displeasure that he looked on the whole thing as a kind of entertainment with which he amused himself, and of which the chief attraction was its novelty.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
amounting to a large indefinite number
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The house of Clifford, as already hinted, was one of the most important in the town.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The house of Clifford, as already hinted, was one of the most important in the town.
partnernounUS /ˈpɑːrtnər/
a person's partner in marriage
From this reading He allowed little indeed to be seen of the austere dignity of the future partner, while he made extensive use of his freedom as a volunteer.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
affix in a public place or for public notice
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
reignedverbUS /reɪnd/
past form of “reign” — have sovereign power
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
Sandow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading He allowed little indeed to be seen of the austere dignity of the future partner, while he made extensive use of his freedom as a volunteer.
have in common
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
staffnounUS /stæf/
personnel who assist their superior in carrying out an assigned task
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The house of Clifford, as already hinted, was one of the most important in the town.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
a special situation
From this reading His brother noticed with great displeasure that he looked on the whole thing as a kind of entertainment with which he amused himself, and of which the chief attraction was its novelty.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading The house of Clifford, as already hinted, was one of the most important in the town.
the act of using
From this reading He allowed little indeed to be seen of the austere dignity of the future partner, while he made extensive use of his freedom as a volunteer.
precisely as stated
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
volunteerverbUS /ˌvɑːlənˈtɪr/
tell voluntarily
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The house of Clifford, as already hinted, was one of the most important in the town.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading He allowed little indeed to be seen of the austere dignity of the future partner, while he made extensive use of his freedom as a volunteer.
which person or people
From this reading Gustave Sandow, who, though now holding the modest post of a volunteer, was destined later to share that dignity, had now entered on his new calling, but showed so far very little enthusiasm for it.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading His brother noticed with great displeasure that he looked on the whole thing as a kind of entertainment with which he amused himself, and of which the chief attraction was its novelty.
belonging to which person
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
in the company of; together with
From this reading His brother noticed with great displeasure that he looked on the whole thing as a kind of entertainment with which he amused himself, and of which the chief attraction was its novelty.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading The numerous staff of clerks and attendants, and the constant activity which reigned there, betrayed even to a stranger the importance of the great mercantile house, whose head, indeed, held a most conspicuous place in the commercial world.
