used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE PIGMY QUEEN; A FAIRY TALE.--THE LANDLORD'S DAUGHTER'S STORY.
in the past
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
(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 Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading It happened one day, however, in the very midst of his crimes, that the bad king died, and was succeeded by his son, who proved in every respect the very reverse of his father.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading All sorts of witches and wizards were encouraged at his court, and the land soon became unsufferable.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Many wealthy citizens being persecuted by the malice of these creatures, fled the country.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Many wealthy citizens being persecuted by the malice of these creatures, fled the country.
citizensnounUS /ˈsɪtəzənz/
plural of “citizen” — a native or naturalized member of a state or other political community
From this reading Many wealthy citizens being persecuted by the malice of these creatures, fled the country.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading Many wealthy citizens being persecuted by the malice of these creatures, fled the country.
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading All sorts of witches and wizards were encouraged at his court, and the land soon became unsufferable.
plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading Many wealthy citizens being persecuted by the malice of these creatures, fled the country.
crimesnounUS /kraɪmz/
plural of “crime” — (criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
From this reading It happened one day, however, in the very midst of his crimes, that the bad king died, and was succeeded by his son, who proved in every respect the very reverse of his father.
DAUGHTER'SnounUS /ˈdɔːtərz/
possessive form of “daughter” — a female human offspring
From this reading THE PIGMY QUEEN; A FAIRY TALE.--THE LANDLORD'S DAUGHTER'S STORY.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading It happened one day, however, in the very midst of his crimes, that the bad king died, and was succeeded by his son, who proved in every respect the very reverse of his father.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading It happened one day, however, in the very midst of his crimes, that the bad king died, and was succeeded by his son, who proved in every respect the very reverse of his father.
encouragedadjectiveUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒd/
inspired with confidence
From this reading All sorts of witches and wizards were encouraged at his court, and the land soon became unsufferable.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading It happened one day, however, in the very midst of his crimes, that the bad king died, and was succeeded by his son, who proved in every respect the very reverse of his father.
morally objectionable behavior
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers
From this reading THE PIGMY QUEEN; A FAIRY TALE.--THE LANDLORD'S DAUGHTER'S STORY.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading It happened one day, however, in the very midst of his crimes, that the bad king died, and was succeeded by his son, who proved in every respect the very reverse of his father.
inflected form of “flee” — run away quickly
From this reading Many wealthy citizens being persecuted by the malice of these creatures, fled the country.
GermanynounUS /ˈdʒɜːrməni/
a republic in central Europe; split into East Germany and West Germany after World War II and reunited in 1990
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
the mother of your father or mother
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading It happened one day, however, in the very midst of his crimes, that the bad king died, and was succeeded by his son, who proved in every respect the very reverse of his father.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
increasenounUS /ˌɪnˈkriːs/
a quantity that is added
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading All sorts of witches and wizards were encouraged at his court, and the land soon became unsufferable.
LANDLORD'SnounUS /ˈlændlɔːrdz/
possessive form of “landlord” — a landowner who leases to others
From this reading THE PIGMY QUEEN; A FAIRY TALE.--THE LANDLORD'S DAUGHTER'S STORY.
leagued
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
malicenounUS /ˈmæləs/
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading Many wealthy citizens being persecuted by the malice of these creatures, fled the country.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Many wealthy citizens being persecuted by the malice of these creatures, fled the country.
the location of something surrounded by other things
From this reading It happened one day, however, in the very midst of his crimes, that the bad king died, and was succeeded by his son, who proved in every respect the very reverse of his father.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading All sorts of witches and wizards were encouraged at his court, and the land soon became unsufferable.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
on one occasion
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
by chance
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
persecutedverbUS /ˈpɜːrsəkjuːtɪd/
past form of “persecute” — cause to suffer
From this reading Many wealthy citizens being persecuted by the malice of these creatures, fled the country.
PIGMYnounUS /ˈpɪɡmi/
an unusually small individual
From this reading THE PIGMY QUEEN; A FAIRY TALE.--THE LANDLORD'S DAUGHTER'S STORY.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
practiseverbUS /ˈpræktɪs/
engage in a rehearsal
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
established beyond doubt
From this reading It happened one day, however, in the very midst of his crimes, that the bad king died, and was succeeded by his son, who proved in every respect the very reverse of his father.
the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs
From this reading THE PIGMY QUEEN; A FAIRY TALE.--THE LANDLORD'S DAUGHTER'S STORY.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading It happened one day, however, in the very midst of his crimes, that the bad king died, and was succeeded by his son, who proved in every respect the very reverse of his father.
reverseverbUS /rɪˈvɜːrs/
change to the contrary
From this reading It happened one day, however, in the very midst of his crimes, that the bad king died, and was succeeded by his son, who proved in every respect the very reverse of his father.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
a male human offspring
From this reading It happened one day, however, in the very midst of his crimes, that the bad king died, and was succeeded by his son, who proved in every respect the very reverse of his father.
in the near future
From this reading All sorts of witches and wizards were encouraged at his court, and the land soon became unsufferable.
plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading All sorts of witches and wizards were encouraged at his court, and the land soon became unsufferable.
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 THE PIGMY QUEEN; A FAIRY TALE.--THE LANDLORD'S DAUGHTER'S STORY.
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading It happened one day, however, in the very midst of his crimes, that the bad king died, and was succeeded by his son, who proved in every respect the very reverse of his father.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
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 THE PIGMY QUEEN; A FAIRY TALE.--THE LANDLORD'S DAUGHTER'S STORY.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE PIGMY QUEEN; A FAIRY TALE.--THE LANDLORD'S DAUGHTER'S STORY.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Many wealthy citizens being persecuted by the malice of these creatures, fled the country.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
unsufferableadjective
too extreme to bear
From this reading All sorts of witches and wizards were encouraged at his court, and the land soon became unsufferable.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
precisely as stated
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
wealthyadjectiveUS /ˈwelθi/
having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value
From this reading Many wealthy citizens being persecuted by the malice of these creatures, fled the country.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading All sorts of witches and wizards were encouraged at his court, and the land soon became unsufferable.
which person or people
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
morally bad in principle or practice
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
witchcraftnounUS /ˈwɪtʃkræft/
the art of sorcery
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
witchesnounUS /ˈwɪtʃəz/
plural of “witch” — a female sorcerer or magician
From this reading All sorts of witches and wizards were encouraged at his court, and the land soon became unsufferable.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Once upon a time--I think, in Germany, grandmother said that it happened; but I am not quite sure; perhaps it never happened at all; but if it did, it was very far off, and a long time ago, that there lived a very wicked king, who, to increase his power, had leagued himself with the evil one, and used to practise witchcraft.
wizardsnounUS /ˈwɪzərdz/
plural of “wizard” — someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
From this reading All sorts of witches and wizards were encouraged at his court, and the land soon became unsufferable.
