Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

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

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Passing into the cloisters, an attendant took possession of us, and showed us about.

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

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

From this reading Passing into the cloisters, an attendant took possession of us, and showed us about.

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

From this reading Passing into the cloisters, an attendant took possession of us, and showed us about.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Its gray nave impressed me more than at any former visit.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Our guide lighted some of the gas-burners, of which there are many hundreds, to help us see them; but it required close scrutiny, even then.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Its gray nave impressed me more than at any former visit.

someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another

From this reading Passing into the cloisters, an attendant took possession of us, and showed us about.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Our guide lighted some of the gas-burners, of which there are many hundreds, to help us see them; but it required close scrutiny, even then.

a sculpture created by removing material (as wood or ivory or stone) in order to create a desired shape

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

any large and important church

From this reading We went to THE CATHEDRAL.

a chorus that sings as part of a religious ceremony

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

plural of “cloister” — residence that is a place of religious seclusion (such as a monastery)

From this reading Passing into the cloisters, an attendant took possession of us, and showed us about.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading Our guide lighted some of the gas-burners, of which there are many hundreds, to help us see them; but it required close scrutiny, even then.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

an isolated fact that is considered separately from the whole

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

the state of being poorly illuminated

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

marked by complexity and richness of detail

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

addition of extra material or illustration or clarifying detail

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

divisible by two

From this reading Our guide lighted some of the gas-burners, of which there are many hundreds, to help us see them; but it required close scrutiny, even then.

intense or sharp

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading Its gray nave impressed me more than at any former visit.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

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

From this reading Our guide lighted some of the gas-burners, of which there are many hundreds, to help us see them; but it required close scrutiny, even then.

a neutral achromatic color midway between white and black

From this reading Its gray nave impressed me more than at any former visit.

someone employed to conduct others

From this reading Our guide lighted some of the gas-burners, of which there are many hundreds, to help us see them; but it required close scrutiny, even then.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading Our guide lighted some of the gas-burners, of which there are many hundreds, to help us see them; but it required close scrutiny, even then.

plural of “hundred” — ten 10s

From this reading Our guide lighted some of the gas-burners, of which there are many hundreds, to help us see them; but it required close scrutiny, even then.

deeply or markedly affected or influenced

From this reading Its gray nave impressed me more than at any former visit.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Passing into the cloisters, an attendant took possession of us, and showed us about.

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

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Its gray nave impressed me more than at any former visit.

past form of “lavish” — expend profusely; also used with abstract nouns

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

set afire or burning

From this reading Our guide lighted some of the gas-burners, of which there are many hundreds, to help us see them; but it required close scrutiny, even then.

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Our guide lighted some of the gas-burners, of which there are many hundreds, to help us see them; but it required close scrutiny, even then.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Its gray nave impressed me more than at any former visit.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Its gray nave impressed me more than at any former visit.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

the central area of a church

From this reading Its gray nave impressed me more than at any former visit.

no person; not anyone

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

consisting of or made of wood of the oak tree

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Passing into the cloisters, an attendant took possession of us, and showed us about.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Our guide lighted some of the gas-burners, of which there are many hundreds, to help us see them; but it required close scrutiny, even then.

(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate

From this reading Passing into the cloisters, an attendant took possession of us, and showed us about.

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading Passing into the cloisters, an attendant took possession of us, and showed us about.

by chance

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

the property of being extremely abundant

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading Our guide lighted some of the gas-burners, of which there are many hundreds, to help us see them; but it required close scrutiny, even then.

possessing material wealth

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

express in words

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)

From this reading Our guide lighted some of the gas-burners, of which there are many hundreds, to help us see them; but it required close scrutiny, even then.

an area that includes places where several people can sit

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Our guide lighted some of the gas-burners, of which there are many hundreds, to help us see them; but it required close scrutiny, even then.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

plural of “separate” — a separately printed article that originally appeared in a larger publication

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Passing into the cloisters, an attendant took possession of us, and showed us about.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Our guide lighted some of the gas-burners, of which there are many hundreds, to help us see them; but it required close scrutiny, even then.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Its gray nave impressed me more than at any former visit.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

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

From this reading We went to THE CATHEDRAL.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Our guide lighted some of the gas-burners, of which there are many hundreds, to help us see them; but it required close scrutiny, even then.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Our guide lighted some of the gas-burners, of which there are many hundreds, to help us see them; but it required close scrutiny, even then.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading We went to THE CATHEDRAL.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading Passing into the cloisters, an attendant took possession of us, and showed us about.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Passing into the cloisters, an attendant took possession of us, and showed us about.

precisely as stated

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading Its gray nave impressed me more than at any former visit.

plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

to a wasteful manner or to a wasteful degree

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We went to THE CATHEDRAL.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading We went to THE CATHEDRAL.

in or at the place that

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Our guide lighted some of the gas-burners, of which there are many hundreds, to help us see them; but it required close scrutiny, even then.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Within the choir there is a profusion of very rich oaken carving, both on the screen that separates it from the nave, and on the seats and walls; very curious and most elaborate, and lavished (one would say) most wastefully, where nobody would think of looking for it,--where, indeed, amid the dimness of the cathedral, the exquisite detail of the elaboration could not possibly be seen.