used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A CITIZEN OF THE RUE DU TEMPS PERDU.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Unfortunately, at the sight of these fingers the chevalier forgot his music, and turned round quickly on the stool, in hopes of seeing a face behind the hand.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading During this time D'Harmental was seated before the spinet, playing his best.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading Unfortunately, at the sight of these fingers the chevalier forgot his music, and turned round quickly on the stool, in hopes of seeing a face behind the hand.
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading During this time D'Harmental was seated before the spinet, playing his best.
brought into existence
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
of surpassing excellence
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
chevaliernounUS /ˌʃevəˈlɪr/
French actor and cabaret singer (1888-1972)
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
CITIZENnounUS /ˈsɪtəzən/
a native or naturalized member of a state or other political community
From this reading A CITIZEN OF THE RUE DU TEMPS PERDU.
motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
D'Harmental
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading During this time D'Harmental was seated before the spinet, playing his best.
delicatelyadverbUS /ˈdeləkətli/
in a delicate manner
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
developverbUS /dɪˈveləp/
make something new, such as a product or a mental or artistic creation
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
without doubt; certainly
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
DU
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A CITIZEN OF THE RUE DU TEMPS PERDU.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading During this time D'Harmental was seated before the spinet, playing his best.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading Unfortunately, at the sight of these fingers the chevalier forgot his music, and turned round quickly on the stool, in hopes of seeing a face behind the hand.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
inflected form of “forget” — dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading Unfortunately, at the sight of these fingers the chevalier forgot his music, and turned round quickly on the stool, in hopes of seeing a face behind the hand.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Unfortunately, at the sight of these fingers the chevalier forgot his music, and turned round quickly on the stool, in hopes of seeing a face behind the hand.
harmonynounUS /ˈhɑːrməni/
compatibility in opinion and action
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading During this time D'Harmental was seated before the spinet, playing his best.
plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Unfortunately, at the sight of these fingers the chevalier forgot his music, and turned round quickly on the stool, in hopes of seeing a face behind the hand.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
instrumentnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənt/
a device that requires skill for proper use
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A CITIZEN OF THE RUE DU TEMPS PERDU.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Unfortunately, at the sight of these fingers the chevalier forgot his music, and turned round quickly on the stool, in hopes of seeing a face behind the hand.
and nothing more
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
to become aware of through the senses
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
PERDU
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A CITIZEN OF THE RUE DU TEMPS PERDU.
the act of playing a musical instrument
From this reading During this time D'Harmental was seated before the spinet, playing his best.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
with speed
From this reading Unfortunately, at the sight of these fingers the chevalier forgot his music, and turned round quickly on the stool, in hopes of seeing a face behind the hand.
the event of something being raised upward
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading Unfortunately, at the sight of these fingers the chevalier forgot his music, and turned round quickly on the stool, in hopes of seeing a face behind the hand.
European strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy
From this reading A CITIZEN OF THE RUE DU TEMPS PERDU.
cut with a saw
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading During this time D'Harmental was seated before the spinet, playing his best.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading Unfortunately, at the sight of these fingers the chevalier forgot his music, and turned round quickly on the stool, in hopes of seeing a face behind the hand.
100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
move or cause to move back and forth
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
shopkeepernounUS /ˈʃɑːpkiːpər/
a merchant who owns or manages a shop
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading Unfortunately, at the sight of these fingers the chevalier forgot his music, and turned round quickly on the stool, in hopes of seeing a face behind the hand.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
spinetnoun
a small and compactly built upright piano
From this reading During this time D'Harmental was seated before the spinet, playing his best.
stoolnounUS /stuːl/
a simple seat without a back or arms
From this reading Unfortunately, at the sight of these fingers the chevalier forgot his music, and turned round quickly on the stool, in hopes of seeing a face behind the hand.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
TEMPSnounUS /temps/
plural of “temp” — a worker (especially in an office) hired on a temporary basis
From this reading A CITIZEN OF THE RUE DU TEMPS PERDU.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A CITIZEN OF THE RUE DU TEMPS PERDU.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Unfortunately, at the sight of these fingers the chevalier forgot his music, and turned round quickly on the stool, in hopes of seeing a face behind the hand.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading During this time D'Harmental was seated before the spinet, playing his best.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading During this time D'Harmental was seated before the spinet, playing his best.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
tunenounUS /tuːn/
a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Unfortunately, at the sight of these fingers the chevalier forgot his music, and turned round quickly on the stool, in hopes of seeing a face behind the hand.
unaccustomedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnəˈkʌstəmd/
unusual or unfamiliar
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
UnfortunatelyadverbUS /ənˈfɔːrtʃənətli/
by bad luck
From this reading Unfortunately, at the sight of these fingers the chevalier forgot his music, and turned round quickly on the stool, in hopes of seeing a face behind the hand.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading During this time D'Harmental was seated before the spinet, playing his best.
an old word meaning “from where”
From this reading Doubtless there was some truth in this, for in the middle of a brilliant shake he saw, from the other side of the street, five little fingers delicately raising the curtain to see from whence this unaccustomed harmony proceeded.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
wondersnounUS /ˈwʌndərz/
plural of “wonder” — the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading The shopkeeper had had a sort of conscience, and had sent him an instrument nearly in tune, so that the chevalier began to perceive that he was doing wonders, and almost believed he was born with a genius for music, which had only required such a circumstance to develop itself.
