used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
be able to spare or give up
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading “The old Egyptians have left behind them monuments of industry and power, before which all European magnificence is confessed to fade away.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading “Imlac,” said Rasselas, “I have been taking from the princess the dismal history of private life, and am almost discouraged from further search.”
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading “Imlac,” said Rasselas, “I have been taking from the princess the dismal history of private life, and am almost discouraged from further search.”
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading IMLAC ENTERS AND CHANGES THE CONVERSATION Here Imlac entered, and interrupted them.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “It seems to me,” said Imlac, “that while you are making the choice of life, you neglect to live.
artsnounUS /ɑːrts/
studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading “The old Egyptians have left behind them monuments of industry and power, before which all European magnificence is confessed to fade away.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading “Imlac,” said Rasselas, “I have been taking from the princess the dismal history of private life, and am almost discouraged from further search.”
earlier than; in front of
From this reading “The old Egyptians have left behind them monuments of industry and power, before which all European magnificence is confessed to fade away.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading “The old Egyptians have left behind them monuments of industry and power, before which all European magnificence is confessed to fade away.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
CHANGESnounUS /ˈtʃeɪndʒəz/
plural of “change” — an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another
From this reading IMLAC ENTERS AND CHANGES THE CONVERSATION Here Imlac entered, and interrupted them.
the person or thing chosen or selected
From this reading “It seems to me,” said Imlac, “that while you are making the choice of life, you neglect to live.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
civiladjectiveUS /ˈsɪvəl/
applying to ordinary citizens as contrasted with the military
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
confessedverbUS /kənˈfest/
past form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading “The old Egyptians have left behind them monuments of industry and power, before which all European magnificence is confessed to fade away.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading IMLAC ENTERS AND CHANGES THE CONVERSATION Here Imlac entered, and interrupted them.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
dawnedverbUS /dɔːnd/
past form of “dawn” — become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
discouragedadjectiveUS /dɪˈskɜːrədʒd/
made less hopeful or enthusiastic
From this reading “Imlac,” said Rasselas, “I have been taking from the princess the dismal history of private life, and am almost discouraged from further search.”
dismaladjectiveUS /ˈdɪzməl/
causing dejection
From this reading “Imlac,” said Rasselas, “I have been taking from the princess the dismal history of private life, and am almost discouraged from further search.”
diversifiedadjectiveUS /daɪˈvɜːrsəfaɪd/
having variety of character or form or components; or having increased variety
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
earliestadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrliəst/
(comparative and superlative of “early”) more early than; most early
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
EgyptiansnounUS /ɪˈdʒɪpʃənz/
plural of “egyptian” — a native or inhabitant of Egypt
From this reading “The old Egyptians have left behind them monuments of industry and power, before which all European magnificence is confessed to fade away.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading IMLAC ENTERS AND CHANGES THE CONVERSATION Here Imlac entered, and interrupted them.
ENTERSverbUS /ˈentərz/
third-person singular of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading IMLAC ENTERS AND CHANGES THE CONVERSATION Here Imlac entered, and interrupted them.
EuropeannounUS /ˌjʊrəˈpiːən/
a native or inhabitant of Europe
From this reading “The old Egyptians have left behind them monuments of industry and power, before which all European magnificence is confessed to fade away.
fadeverbUS /feɪd/
become less clearly visible or distinguishable; disappear gradually or seemingly
From this reading “The old Egyptians have left behind them monuments of industry and power, before which all European magnificence is confessed to fade away.
widely known and esteemed
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading “Imlac,” said Rasselas, “I have been taking from the princess the dismal history of private life, and am almost discouraged from further search.”
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading “Imlac,” said Rasselas, “I have been taking from the princess the dismal history of private life, and am almost discouraged from further search.”
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading “Imlac,” said Rasselas, “I have been taking from the princess the dismal history of private life, and am almost discouraged from further search.”
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading IMLAC ENTERS AND CHANGES THE CONVERSATION Here Imlac entered, and interrupted them.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading “Imlac,” said Rasselas, “I have been taking from the princess the dismal history of private life, and am almost discouraged from further search.”
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “Imlac,” said Rasselas, “I have been taking from the princess the dismal history of private life, and am almost discouraged from further search.”
illuminateverbUS /ɪˈluː.mɪ.neɪt/
To light up or make clear; to decorate a manuscript with gold, silver, or brilliant colors.
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
IMLAC
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IMLAC ENTERS AND CHANGES THE CONVERSATION Here Imlac entered, and interrupted them.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
industrynounUS /ˈɪndəstri/
the people or companies engaged in a particular kind of commercial enterprise
From this reading “The old Egyptians have left behind them monuments of industry and power, before which all European magnificence is confessed to fade away.
plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
discontinued temporarily
From this reading IMLAC ENTERS AND CHANGES THE CONVERSATION Here Imlac entered, and interrupted them.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “The old Egyptians have left behind them monuments of industry and power, before which all European magnificence is confessed to fade away.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “It seems to me,” said Imlac, “that while you are making the choice of life, you neglect to live.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading “The old Egyptians have left behind them monuments of industry and power, before which all European magnificence is confessed to fade away.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading “Imlac,” said Rasselas, “I have been taking from the princess the dismal history of private life, and am almost discouraged from further search.”
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading “It seems to me,” said Imlac, “that while you are making the choice of life, you neglect to live.
magnificencenoun
splendid or imposing in size or appearance
From this reading “The old Egyptians have left behind them monuments of industry and power, before which all European magnificence is confessed to fade away.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading “It seems to me,” said Imlac, “that while you are making the choice of life, you neglect to live.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “It seems to me,” said Imlac, “that while you are making the choice of life, you neglect to live.
monarchiesnounUS /ˈmɑːnɑːrkiz/
plural of “monarchy” — an autocracy governed by a monarch who usually inherits the authority
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
monumentsnounUS /ˈmɑːnjəmənts/
plural of “monument” — a structure erected to commemorate persons or events
From this reading “The old Egyptians have left behind them monuments of industry and power, before which all European magnificence is confessed to fade away.
neglectverbUS /nəˈɡlekt/
leave undone or leave out
From this reading “It seems to me,” said Imlac, “that while you are making the choice of life, you neglect to live.
noveltiesnounUS /ˈnɑːvəltiz/
plural of “novelty” — originality by virtue of being refreshingly novel
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “Imlac,” said Rasselas, “I have been taking from the princess the dismal history of private life, and am almost discouraged from further search.”
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading “The old Egyptians have left behind them monuments of industry and power, before which all European magnificence is confessed to fade away.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
The daughter of a monarch; a female member of a royal family.
From this reading “Imlac,” said Rasselas, “I have been taking from the princess the dismal history of private life, and am almost discouraged from further search.”
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading “Imlac,” said Rasselas, “I have been taking from the princess the dismal history of private life, and am almost discouraged from further search.”
Rasselas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Imlac,” said Rasselas, “I have been taking from the princess the dismal history of private life, and am almost discouraged from further search.”
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “Imlac,” said Rasselas, “I have been taking from the princess the dismal history of private life, and am almost discouraged from further search.”
sciencesnounUS /ˈsaɪənsəz/
plural of “science” — a particular branch of scientific knowledge
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
try to locate or discover, or try to establish the existence of
From this reading “Imlac,” said Rasselas, “I have been taking from the princess the dismal history of private life, and am almost discouraged from further search.”
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading “It seems to me,” said Imlac, “that while you are making the choice of life, you neglect to live.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading “Imlac,” said Rasselas, “I have been taking from the princess the dismal history of private life, and am almost discouraged from further search.”
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “It seems to me,” said Imlac, “that while you are making the choice of life, you neglect to live.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IMLAC ENTERS AND CHANGES THE CONVERSATION Here Imlac entered, and interrupted them.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading IMLAC ENTERS AND CHANGES THE CONVERSATION Here Imlac entered, and interrupted them.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “It seems to me,” said Imlac, “that while you are making the choice of life, you neglect to live.
tracedverbUS /treɪst/
past form of “trace” — follow, discover, or ascertain the course of development of something
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
wanderverbUS /ˈwɑːndər/
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
in or at the place that
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading “It seems to me,” said Imlac, “that while you are making the choice of life, you neglect to live.
accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading You wander about a single city, which, however large and diversified, can now afford few novelties, and forget that you are in a country, famous among the earliest monarchies for the power and wisdom of its inhabitants; a country where the sciences first dawned that illuminate the world, and beyond which the arts cannot be traced of civil society or domestic life.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “It seems to me,” said Imlac, “that while you are making the choice of life, you neglect to live.
