used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A FAMILY IN ISRAEL.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In a remote portion of Togarog, and separated from the main village by a number of wretched lanes, lay the Jewish quarter.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading In a remote portion of Togarog, and separated from the main village by a number of wretched lanes, lay the Jewish quarter.
casualadjectiveUS /ˈkæʒəwəl/
marked by blithe unconcern
From this reading A decided improvement in the general condition of the houses which formed this suburb was plainly visible to the casual observer.
cleanlinessnounUS /ˈklenlinɪs/
the habit of keeping free of superficial imperfections
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
a state at a particular time
From this reading A decided improvement in the general condition of the houses which formed this suburb was plainly visible to the casual observer.
recognizable; marked
From this reading A decided improvement in the general condition of the houses which formed this suburb was plainly visible to the casual observer.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading To the inhabitants of these poor huts, home was everything.
a social unit living together
From this reading A FAMILY IN ISRAEL.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading A decided improvement in the general condition of the houses which formed this suburb was plainly visible to the casual observer.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading In a remote portion of Togarog, and separated from the main village by a number of wretched lanes, lay the Jewish quarter.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading A decided improvement in the general condition of the houses which formed this suburb was plainly visible to the casual observer.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading To the inhabitants of these poor huts, home was everything.
home-like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading A decided improvement in the general condition of the houses which formed this suburb was plainly visible to the casual observer.
hutsnounUS /hʌts/
plural of “hut” — temporary military shelter
From this reading To the inhabitants of these poor huts, home was everything.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
improvementnounUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvmənt/
a change for the better; progress in development
From this reading A decided improvement in the general condition of the houses which formed this suburb was plainly visible to the casual observer.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A FAMILY IN ISRAEL.
plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place
From this reading To the inhabitants of these poor huts, home was everything.
ISRAELnounUS /ˈɪzriəl/
Jewish republic in southwestern Asia at eastern end of Mediterranean; formerly part of Palestine
From this reading A FAMILY IN ISRAEL.
JewishadjectiveUS /ˈdʒuːɪʃ/
of or relating to Jews or their culture or religion
From this reading In a remote portion of Togarog, and separated from the main village by a number of wretched lanes, lay the Jewish quarter.
lanesnounUS /leɪnz/
plural of “lane” — a narrow way or road
From this reading In a remote portion of Togarog, and separated from the main village by a number of wretched lanes, lay the Jewish quarter.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading In a remote portion of Togarog, and separated from the main village by a number of wretched lanes, lay the Jewish quarter.
most important element
From this reading In a remote portion of Togarog, and separated from the main village by a number of wretched lanes, lay the Jewish quarter.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
neatnessnounUS /ˈniːtnəs/
the state of being neat and smart and trim
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading In a remote portion of Togarog, and separated from the main village by a number of wretched lanes, lay the Jewish quarter.
observernounUS /əbˈzɜːrvər/
a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses
From this reading A decided improvement in the general condition of the houses which formed this suburb was plainly visible to the casual observer.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In a remote portion of Togarog, and separated from the main village by a number of wretched lanes, lay the Jewish quarter.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
peasantsnounUS /ˈpezənts/
plural of “peasant” — a country person
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading A decided improvement in the general condition of the houses which formed this suburb was plainly visible to the casual observer.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading To the inhabitants of these poor huts, home was everything.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading In a remote portion of Togarog, and separated from the main village by a number of wretched lanes, lay the Jewish quarter.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
prevailedverbUS /prɪˈveɪld/
past form of “prevail” — be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
one of four equal parts
From this reading In a remote portion of Togarog, and separated from the main village by a number of wretched lanes, lay the Jewish quarter.
remoteadjectiveUS /rɪˈmoʊt/
located far away spatially
From this reading In a remote portion of Togarog, and separated from the main village by a number of wretched lanes, lay the Jewish quarter.
RussianounUS /ˈrʌʃə/
a former communist country in eastern Europe and northern Asia; established in 1922; included Russia and 14 other soviet socialist republics (Ukraine and Byelorussia and others); officially dissolved 31 December 1991
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
try to get or reach
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
semi-barbarous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
being or feeling set or kept apart from others
From this reading In a remote portion of Togarog, and separated from the main village by a number of wretched lanes, lay the Jewish quarter.
serfsnounUS /sɜːrfs/
plural of “serf” — (Middle Ages) a person who is bound to the land and owned by the feudal lord
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
in or characteristic of a region of the United States south of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
suburbnounUS /ˈsʌbərb/
a residential district located on the outskirts of a city
From this reading A decided improvement in the general condition of the houses which formed this suburb was plainly visible to the casual observer.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In a remote portion of Togarog, and separated from the main village by a number of wretched lanes, lay the Jewish quarter.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading To the inhabitants of these poor huts, home was everything.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A decided improvement in the general condition of the houses which formed this suburb was plainly visible to the casual observer.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A decided improvement in the general condition of the houses which formed this suburb was plainly visible to the casual observer.
Togarog
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a remote portion of Togarog, and separated from the main village by a number of wretched lanes, lay the Jewish quarter.
unpretentiousadjectiveUS /ˌʌnpriˈtenʃəs/
lacking pretension or affectation
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading In a remote portion of Togarog, and separated from the main village by a number of wretched lanes, lay the Jewish quarter.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading A decided improvement in the general condition of the houses which formed this suburb was plainly visible to the casual observer.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A decided improvement in the general condition of the houses which formed this suburb was plainly visible to the casual observer.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A decided improvement in the general condition of the houses which formed this suburb was plainly visible to the casual observer.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
of very poor quality or condition
From this reading In a remote portion of Togarog, and separated from the main village by a number of wretched lanes, lay the Jewish quarter.
but in spite of that
From this reading The houses were, if possible, more unpretentious than those of the serfs, yet there was an air of home-like comfort about them, an impression of neatness and cleanliness prevailed, which one would seek for in vain among the semi-barbarous peasants of Southern Russia.
