used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading On the skirts of a large village stood a square red-brick house, about the date of Queen Anne.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The centre of the house was distinguishable by an architrave in the shape of a triangle, under which was a niche,--probably meant for a figure; but the figure was not forthcoming.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
Queen of England and Scotland and Ireland; daughter if James II and the last of the Stuart monarchs; in 1707 she was the last English ruler to exercise the royal veto over parliament (1665-1714)
From this reading On the skirts of a large village stood a square red-brick house, about the date of Queen Anne.
architravenounUS /ˈɑːrkətreɪv/
the molding around a door or window
From this reading The centre of the house was distinguishable by an architrave in the shape of a triangle, under which was a niche,--probably meant for a figure; but the figure was not forthcoming.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading This balustrade was divided by low piers, on each of which was placed a round ball.
balustradenoun
a railing at the side of a staircase or balcony to prevent people from falling
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading This balustrade was divided by low piers, on each of which was placed a round ball.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
a low-lying region in central France
From this reading The centre of the house was distinguishable by an architrave in the shape of a triangle, under which was a niche,--probably meant for a figure; but the figure was not forthcoming.
the specified day of the month
From this reading On the skirts of a large village stood a square red-brick house, about the date of Queen Anne.
distinguishableadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃəbəl/
capable of being perceived as different or distinct
From this reading The centre of the house was distinguishable by an architrave in the shape of a triangle, under which was a niche,--probably meant for a figure; but the figure was not forthcoming.
separated into parts or pieces
From this reading This balustrade was divided by low piers, on each of which was placed a round ball.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading This balustrade was divided by low piers, on each of which was placed a round ball.
daughter of George VI who became the Queen of England and Northern Ireland in 1952 on the death of her father (1926-)
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
divisible by two
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
at any time
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
apart from; not including
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading The centre of the house was distinguishable by an architrave in the shape of a triangle, under which was a niche,--probably meant for a figure; but the figure was not forthcoming.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
forthcomingadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrθˈkʌmɪŋ/
at ease in talking to others
From this reading The centre of the house was distinguishable by an architrave in the shape of a triangle, under which was a niche,--probably meant for a figure; but the figure was not forthcoming.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading On the skirts of a large village stood a square red-brick house, about the date of Queen Anne.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading On the skirts of a large village stood a square red-brick house, about the date of Queen Anne.
leadsnounUS /liːdz/
plural of “lead” — an advantage held by a competitor in a race
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading This balustrade was divided by low piers, on each of which was placed a round ball.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading The centre of the house was distinguishable by an architrave in the shape of a triangle, under which was a niche,--probably meant for a figure; but the figure was not forthcoming.
nichenounUS /nɪtʃ/
a position particularly well suited to the person who occupies it
From this reading The centre of the house was distinguishable by an architrave in the shape of a triangle, under which was a niche,--probably meant for a figure; but the figure was not forthcoming.
not any; not one
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
no person; not anyone
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The centre of the house was distinguishable by an architrave in the shape of a triangle, under which was a niche,--probably meant for a figure; but the figure was not forthcoming.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading On the skirts of a large village stood a square red-brick house, about the date of Queen Anne.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the skirts of a large village stood a square red-brick house, about the date of Queen Anne.
ostentationnounUS /ˌɔːstenˈteɪʃən/
a gaudy outward display
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
piersnounUS /pɪrz/
plural of “pier” — a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
From this reading This balustrade was divided by low piers, on each of which was placed a round ball.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading This balustrade was divided by low piers, on each of which was placed a round ball.
pretencenoun
a false or unsupportable quality
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading The centre of the house was distinguishable by an architrave in the shape of a triangle, under which was a niche,--probably meant for a figure; but the figure was not forthcoming.
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 On the skirts of a large village stood a square red-brick house, about the date of Queen Anne.
Ralph
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
red-brickadjective
of or relating to British universities founded in the late 19th century or the 20th century
From this reading On the skirts of a large village stood a square red-brick house, about the date of Queen Anne.
characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading This balustrade was divided by low piers, on each of which was placed a round ball.
any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading The centre of the house was distinguishable by an architrave in the shape of a triangle, under which was a niche,--probably meant for a figure; but the figure was not forthcoming.
skirtsnounUS /skɜːrts/
plural of “skirt” — cloth covering that forms the part of a garment below the waist
From this reading On the skirts of a large village stood a square red-brick house, about the date of Queen Anne.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
make square
From this reading On the skirts of a large village stood a square red-brick house, about the date of Queen Anne.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading On the skirts of a large village stood a square red-brick house, about the date of Queen Anne.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading On the skirts of a large village stood a square red-brick house, about the date of Queen Anne.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
tom-cat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
the upper part of anything
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
trianglenounUS /ˈtraɪæŋɡəl/
a three-sided polygon
From this reading The centre of the house was distinguishable by an architrave in the shape of a triangle, under which was a niche,--probably meant for a figure; but the figure was not forthcoming.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading The centre of the house was distinguishable by an architrave in the shape of a triangle, under which was a niche,--probably meant for a figure; but the figure was not forthcoming.
UponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
precisely as stated
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
VictorianounUS /vɪkˈtɔːriə/
queen of Great Britain and Ireland and empress of India from 1837 to 1901; the last Hanoverian ruler of England (1819-1901)
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading On the skirts of a large village stood a square red-brick house, about the date of Queen Anne.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading This balustrade was divided by low piers, on each of which was placed a round ball.
which person or people
From this reading At this time we were living in what may be called a very respectable style for people who made no pretence to ostentation.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
yeaexclamationUS /jeɪ/
an old word for “yes”
From this reading Upon the top of the house was a balustrade,--why, Heaven knows, for nobody, except our great tom-cat, Ralph, ever walked upon the leads; but so it was, and so it often is in houses from the time of Elizabeth, yea, even to that of Victoria.
