Chapter VII

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

From this reading Before that time we sit listening to a tale, a marvellous fiction, delightful sometimes, and sad sometimes, almost always unreal.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Before that time we sit listening to a tale, a marvellous fiction, delightful sometimes, and sad sometimes, almost always unreal.

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Before that time we sit listening to a tale, a marvellous fiction, delightful sometimes, and sad sometimes, almost always unreal.

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

From this reading Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old, and at eighteen the true narrative of life is yet to be commenced.

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

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The Curates at Tea.

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

From this reading Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old, and at eighteen the true narrative of life is yet to be commenced.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Before that time we sit listening to a tale, a marvellous fiction, delightful sometimes, and sad sometimes, almost always unreal.

comparative of “bright” — emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

of or relating to the life and times of kings Charles I or Charles II of England

From this reading Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old, and at eighteen the true narrative of life is yet to be commenced.

past form of “commence” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old, and at eighteen the true narrative of life is yet to be commenced.

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

From this reading The Curates at Tea.

involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

comparative of “dark” — devoid of or deficient in light or brightness; shadowed or black

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading Before that time we sit listening to a tale, a marvellous fiction, delightful sometimes, and sad sometimes, almost always unreal.

plural of “desert” — arid land with little or no vegetation

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

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

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

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

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

being one more than seventeen

From this reading Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old, and at eighteen the true narrative of life is yet to be commenced.

Filled with or placed under the influence of magical power or charm.

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

a literary work based on the imagination and not necessarily on fact

From this reading Before that time we sit listening to a tale, a marvellous fiction, delightful sometimes, and sad sometimes, almost always unreal.

United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

set up or found

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

plural of “fruit” — the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

a long fixed look

From this reading What a moon we gaze on before that time!

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

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

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

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

From this reading Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old, and at eighteen the true narrative of life is yet to be commenced.

very imposing or impressive; surpassing the ordinary (especially in size or scale)

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

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

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

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

From this reading Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old, and at eighteen the true narrative of life is yet to be commenced.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

and nothing more

From this reading Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old, and at eighteen the true narrative of life is yet to be commenced.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old, and at eighteen the true narrative of life is yet to be commenced.

the act of hearing attentively

From this reading Before that time we sit listening to a tale, a marvellous fiction, delightful sometimes, and sad sometimes, almost always unreal.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading Before that time we sit listening to a tale, a marvellous fiction, delightful sometimes, and sad sometimes, almost always unreal.

the natural satellite of the Earth

From this reading What a moon we gaze on before that time!

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

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

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

From this reading Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old, and at eighteen the true narrative of life is yet to be commenced.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old, and at eighteen the true narrative of life is yet to be commenced.

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

From this reading Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old, and at eighteen the true narrative of life is yet to be commenced.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading What a moon we gaze on before that time!

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

spread across or over

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

plural of “plain” — extensive tract of level open land

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness

From this reading Before that time we sit listening to a tale, a marvellous fiction, delightful sometimes, and sad sometimes, almost always unreal.

plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

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

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

be seated

From this reading Before that time we sit listening to a tale, a marvellous fiction, delightful sometimes, and sad sometimes, almost always unreal.

plural of “sky” — the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading Before that time we sit listening to a tale, a marvellous fiction, delightful sometimes, and sad sometimes, almost always unreal.

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

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

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

comparative of “sweet” — having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

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

From this reading Before that time we sit listening to a tale, a marvellous fiction, delightful sometimes, and sad sometimes, almost always unreal.

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading The Curates at Tea.

highly attractive and able to arouse hope or desire

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Before that time we sit listening to a tale, a marvellous fiction, delightful sometimes, and sad sometimes, almost always unreal.

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

From this reading The Curates at Tea.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Before that time we sit listening to a tale, a marvellous fiction, delightful sometimes, and sad sometimes, almost always unreal.

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

From this reading Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old, and at eighteen the true narrative of life is yet to be commenced.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old, and at eighteen the true narrative of life is yet to be commenced.

lacking in reality or substance or genuineness; not corresponding to acknowledged facts or criteria

From this reading Before that time we sit listening to a tale, a marvellous fiction, delightful sometimes, and sad sometimes, almost always unreal.

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

From this reading Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old, and at eighteen the true narrative of life is yet to be commenced.

United States actress and singer (1896-1977)

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Before that time we sit listening to a tale, a marvellous fiction, delightful sometimes, and sad sometimes, almost always unreal.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading What a moon we gaze on before that time!

comparative of “wide” — having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Before that time our world is heroic, its inhabitants half-divine or semi-demon; its scenes are dream-scenes; darker woods and stranger hills, brighter skies, more dangerous waters, sweeter flowers, more tempting fruits, wider plains, drearier deserts, sunnier fields than are found in nature, overspread our enchanted globe.

a late time of life

From this reading Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old, and at eighteen the true narrative of life is yet to be commenced.

but in spite of that

From this reading Caroline Helstone was just eighteen years old, and at eighteen the true narrative of life is yet to be commenced.