adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
affordedverbUS /əˈfɔːrdəd/
past form of “afford” — be able to spare or give up
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
apartmentsnounUS /əˈpɑːrtmənts/
plural of “apartment” — a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
appropriatedverbUS /əˈproʊprieɪtɪd/
past form of “appropriate” — give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
assistedadjectiveUS /əˈsɪstɪd/
having help; often used as a combining form
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
benchnounUS /bentʃ/
a long seat for more than one person
From this reading The hermit sat on a bench at the door, to enjoy the coolness of the evening.
branchesnounUS /ˈbræntʃəz/
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THEY came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell.
cameverbUS /keɪm/
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading THEY came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell.
cataractnounUS /ˈkætərækt/
an eye disease that involves the clouding or opacification of the natural lens of the eye
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
cavenounUS /keɪv/
a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
cavernnounUS /ˈkæv.ərn/
A large, vast underground cave, often filled with forgotten ancient treasures.
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
cellnounUS /sel/
A small stone room in a prison where an inmate is locked behind iron bars.
From this reading THEY came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell.
composesverbUS /kəmˈpoʊzɪz/
third-person singular of “compose” — form the substance of
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
containedadjectiveUS /kənˈteɪnd/
gotten under control
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
coolnessnounUS /ˈkuːlnəs/
calm and unruffled self-assurance
From this reading The hermit sat on a bench at the door, to enjoy the coolness of the evening.
darknessnounUS /ˈdɑːrknəs/
absence of light or illumination
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
daynounUS /deɪ/
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading THEY came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell.
differentadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfərənt/
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
directionnounUS /dərˈekʃən/
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading THEY came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell.
distancenounUS /ˈdɪstəns/
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
doornounUS /dɔːr/
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading The hermit sat on a bench at the door, to enjoy the coolness of the evening.
enjoyverbUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪ/
derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading The hermit sat on a bench at the door, to enjoy the coolness of the evening.
especiallyadverbUS /əˈspeʃli/
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
essaynounUS /eˈseɪ/
an analytic or interpretive literary composition
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
eveningnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋ/
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading The hermit sat on a bench at the door, to enjoy the coolness of the evening.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
gentleadjectiveUS /ˈdʒentəl/
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
happenedverbUS /ˈhæpənd/
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
HAPPINESSnounUS /ˈhæpinəs/
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading THE HAPPINESS OF SOLITUDE—THE HERMIT’S HISTORY.
heardadjectiveUS /hɜːrd/
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
hermitnounUS /ˈhɜːrmət/
one retired from society for religious reasons
From this reading The hermit sat on a bench at the door, to enjoy the coolness of the evening.
HERMIT'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE HAPPINESS OF SOLITUDE—THE HERMIT’S HISTORY.
HISTORYnounUS /ˈhɪstəri/
the aggregate of past events
From this reading THE HAPPINESS OF SOLITUDE—THE HERMIT’S HISTORY.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
improvedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvd/
made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
labournounUS /ˈleɪbər/
a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
lodgingnounUS /ˈlɑːdʒɪŋ/
structures collectively in which people are housed
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
meditationnounUS /ˌmedəˈteɪʃən/
continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
mindnounUS /maɪnd/
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
mountainnounUS /ˈmaʊntən/
a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/
to a great degree or extent
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
murmurnounUS /ˈmɜːrmər/
a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
NaturenounUS /ˈneɪtʃər/
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
OFprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE HAPPINESS OF SOLITUDE—THE HERMIT’S HISTORY.
oftenadverbUS /ˈɔːfən/
many times at short intervals
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THEY came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
overshadowedverbUS /ˌoʊvərˈʃædoʊd/
past form of “overshadow” — be greater in significance than
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
overtakeverbUS /ˈoʊvərteɪk/
catch up with and possibly overtake
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
palmnounUS /pɑːm/
the inner surface of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
peasantsnounUS /ˈpezənts/
plural of “peasant” — a country person
From this reading THEY came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell.
pensiveadjectiveUS /ˈpensɪv/
deeply or seriously thoughtful
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
rudeadjectiveUS /ruːd/
socially incorrect in behavior
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
satnounUS /sæt/
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading The hermit sat on a bench at the door, to enjoy the coolness of the evening.
severaladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
sidenounUS /saɪd/
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
SOLITUDEnounUS /ˈsɑːlətuːd/
a state of social isolation
From this reading THE HAPPINESS OF SOLITUDE—THE HERMIT’S HISTORY.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
tempests
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE HAPPINESS OF SOLITUDE—THE HERMIT’S HISTORY.
THEYpronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THEY came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell.
thirdnounUS /θɜːrd/
one of three equal parts of a divisible whole
From this reading THEY came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THEY came on the third day, by the direction of the peasants, to the hermit’s cell.
travellersnounUS /ˈtrævələrz/
plural of “traveller” — a person who changes location
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
treesnounUS /triːz/
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
uniformadjectiveUS /ˈjuːnəfɔːrm/
always the same; showing a single form or character in all occurrences
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
usesnounUS /ˈjuːsəz/
plural of “use” — the act of using
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
whistlingnounUS /ˈwɪslɪŋ/
the sound made by something moving rapidly or by steam coming out of a small aperture
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The first rude essay of Nature had been so much improved by human labour that the cave contained several apartments appropriated to different uses, and often afforded lodging to travellers whom darkness or tempests happened to overtake.
windnounUS /waɪnd/
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was a cavern in the side of a mountain, overshadowed with palm trees, at such a distance from the cataract that nothing more was heard than a gentle uniform murmur, such as composes the mind to pensive meditation, especially when it was assisted by the wind whistling among the branches.
