used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The barber, Figaro, was, in his way, a blessing.
(of mail) marked with a destination
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
Ah
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
(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 I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
in addition
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading For, besides being a barber, a Spanish barber, Figaro _was_ a bleeder; and in Figaro’s days, barbers were of infinitely more importance than they are now.
inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
assertverbUS /əˈsɜːrt/
state categorically
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
barbernounUS /ˈbɑːrbər/
United States composer (1910-1981)
From this reading The barber, Figaro, was, in his way, a blessing.
barbersnounUS /ˈbɑːrbərz/
plural of “barber” — United States composer (1910-1981)
From this reading For, besides being a barber, a Spanish barber, Figaro _was_ a bleeder; and in Figaro’s days, barbers were of infinitely more importance than they are now.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading For, besides being a barber, a Spanish barber, Figaro _was_ a bleeder; and in Figaro’s days, barbers were of infinitely more importance than they are now.
benisonnoun
a spoken blessing
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
in addition to; as well as
From this reading For, besides being a barber, a Spanish barber, Figaro _was_ a bleeder; and in Figaro’s days, barbers were of infinitely more importance than they are now.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
billetsnounUS /ˈbɪləts/
plural of “billet” — a short personal letter
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
bleedernoun
someone who has hemophilia and is subject to uncontrollable bleeding
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
blessingnounUS /ˈblesɪŋ/
the formal act of approving
From this reading The barber, Figaro, was, in his way, a blessing.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
d'amour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading For, besides being a barber, a Spanish barber, Figaro _was_ a bleeder; and in Figaro’s days, barbers were of infinitely more importance than they are now.
delicatelyadverbUS /ˈdeləkətli/
in a delicate manner
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
past form of “deliver” — deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
increase twofold
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
ecclesiasticnounUS /ɪˌkliːziˈæstɪk/
a clergyman or other person in religious orders
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
be identical or equivalent to
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
Figaro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The barber, Figaro, was, in his way, a blessing.
Figaro's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For, besides being a barber, a Spanish barber, Figaro _was_ a bleeder; and in Figaro’s days, barbers were of infinitely more importance than they are now.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
grieveverbUS /ɡriːv/
feel grief
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The barber, Figaro, was, in his way, a blessing.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading On the whole, however, I do NOT think Figaro was the pattern of a moral man.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
the quality of being important and worthy of note
From this reading For, besides being a barber, a Spanish barber, Figaro _was_ a bleeder; and in Figaro’s days, barbers were of infinitely more importance than they are now.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The barber, Figaro, was, in his way, a blessing.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
infinitelyadverbUS /ˈɪnfənətli/
without bounds
From this reading For, besides being a barber, a Spanish barber, Figaro _was_ a bleeder; and in Figaro’s days, barbers were of infinitely more importance than they are now.
knocksnounUS /nɑːks/
plural of “knock” — the sound of knocking (as on a door or in an engine or bearing)
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
the literary culture
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading On the whole, however, I do NOT think Figaro was the pattern of a moral man.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
a particular point in time
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
moraladjectiveUS /ˈmɔːrəl/
concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles
From this reading On the whole, however, I do NOT think Figaro was the pattern of a moral man.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading For, besides being a barber, a Spanish barber, Figaro _was_ a bleeder; and in Figaro’s days, barbers were of infinitely more importance than they are now.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading On the whole, however, I do NOT think Figaro was the pattern of a moral man.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading For, besides being a barber, a Spanish barber, Figaro _was_ a bleeder; and in Figaro’s days, barbers were of infinitely more importance than they are now.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the whole, however, I do NOT think Figaro was the pattern of a moral man.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
and nothing more
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
patternnounUS /ˈpætərn/
a perceptual structure
From this reading On the whole, however, I do NOT think Figaro was the pattern of a moral man.
percussions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
postmannounUS /ˈpoʊstmən/
a man who delivers the mail
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
quaintadjectiveUS /kweɪnt/
strange in an interesting or pleasing way
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
ribsnounUS /rɪbz/
plural of “rib” — support resembling the rib of an animal
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
express in words
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
SevillenounUS /səˈvɪl/
a city in southwestern Spain; a major port and cultural center; the capital of bullfighting in Spain
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain
From this reading For, besides being a barber, a Spanish barber, Figaro _was_ a bleeder; and in Figaro’s days, barbers were of infinitely more importance than they are now.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading For, besides being a barber, a Spanish barber, Figaro _was_ a bleeder; and in Figaro’s days, barbers were of infinitely more importance than they are now.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The barber, Figaro, was, in his way, a blessing.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For, besides being a barber, a Spanish barber, Figaro _was_ a bleeder; and in Figaro’s days, barbers were of infinitely more importance than they are now.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading On the whole, however, I do NOT think Figaro was the pattern of a moral man.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
communicated in words
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The barber, Figaro, was, in his way, a blessing.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The barber, Figaro, was, in his way, a blessing.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading For, besides being a barber, a Spanish barber, Figaro _was_ a bleeder; and in Figaro’s days, barbers were of infinitely more importance than they are now.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading On the whole, however, I do NOT think Figaro was the pattern of a moral man.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Ah! and Figaro was also a postman; but, I grieve to say, he never delivered letters with double knocks; indeed, the only percussions at all in _these_ matters arose between the hearts and the ribs of those to whom the billets d’amour were delicately addressed.
but in spite of that
From this reading I don’t mean to say for one moment that he was at all equal to any one benison uttered by any one ecclesiastic in the quaint old city of Seville; yet I do assert, and plainly, he was a blessing--Figaro, barber and bleeder of Seville.
