Chapter IV

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

the historic period preceding the Middle Ages in Europe

From this reading In the antiquity of his lineage there was scarcely a man in the Empire who could pretend to compare with him.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

of or relating to the first significant period of a civilization, culture, area of study, etc.

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading For the most part, the old houses from which had come the Consuls and Dictators of the Republic had died out.

examine and note the similarities or differences of

From this reading In the antiquity of his lineage there was scarcely a man in the Empire who could pretend to compare with him.

plural of “consul” — a diplomat appointed by a government to protect its commercial interests and help its citizens in a foreign country

From this reading For the most part, the old houses from which had come the Consuls and Dictators of the Republic had died out.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading In the antiquity of his lineage there was scarcely a man in the Empire who could pretend to compare with him.

determine the number or amount of

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

plural of “dictator” — a speaker who dictates to a secretary or a recording machine

From this reading For the most part, the old houses from which had come the Consuls and Dictators of the Republic had died out.

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading For the most part, the old houses from which had come the Consuls and Dictators of the Republic had died out.

the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised

From this reading In the antiquity of his lineage there was scarcely a man in the Empire who could pretend to compare with him.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading The old nobility had gone, and the new nobility had followed it.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For the most part, the old houses from which had come the Consuls and Dictators of the Republic had died out.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading For the most part, the old houses from which had come the Consuls and Dictators of the Republic had died out.

destroyed or killed

From this reading The old nobility had gone, and the new nobility had followed it.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

plural of “hero” — a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading In the antiquity of his lineage there was scarcely a man in the Empire who could pretend to compare with him.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading In the antiquity of his lineage there was scarcely a man in the Empire who could pretend to compare with him.

plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading For the most part, the old houses from which had come the Consuls and Dictators of the Republic had died out.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading THE VILLA IN THE ISLAND.

plural of “influence” — a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

-ing form of “instruct” — impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading THE VILLA IN THE ISLAND.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

the descendants of one individual

From this reading In the antiquity of his lineage there was scarcely a man in the Empire who could pretend to compare with him.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

used to form the superlative

From this reading For the most part, the old houses from which had come the Consuls and Dictators of the Republic had died out.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading The old nobility had gone, and the new nobility had followed it.

a privileged class holding hereditary titles

From this reading The old nobility had gone, and the new nobility had followed it.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading For the most part, the old houses from which had come the Consuls and Dictators of the Republic had died out.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading For the most part, the old houses from which had come the Consuls and Dictators of the Republic had died out.

make believe with the intent to deceive

From this reading In the antiquity of his lineage there was scarcely a man in the Empire who could pretend to compare with him.

belonging to an early stage of technical development; characterized by simplicity and (often) crudeness

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

inflected form of “purify” — remove impurities from, increase the concentration of, and separate through the process of distillation

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

(used of persons and their behavior) cultivated and genteel

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

a political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them

From this reading For the most part, the old houses from which had come the Consuls and Dictators of the Republic had died out.

relating to or characteristic of people of Rome

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

only a very short time before

From this reading In the antiquity of his lineage there was scarcely a man in the Empire who could pretend to compare with him.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

toned down

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE VILLA IN THE ISLAND.

in or at that place or location

From this reading In the antiquity of his lineage there was scarcely a man in the Empire who could pretend to compare with him.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading In the antiquity of his lineage there was scarcely a man in the Empire who could pretend to compare with him.

a subdivision of a particular kind of thing

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

Mexican revolutionary leader (1877-1923)

From this reading THE VILLA IN THE ISLAND.

Moral excellence and goodness of character; the highest human attainment in Stoic philosophy.

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

which person or people

From this reading In the antiquity of his lineage there was scarcely a man in the Empire who could pretend to compare with him.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In the antiquity of his lineage there was scarcely a man in the Empire who could pretend to compare with him.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Count Ælius was a man of the best Roman type, a man of “primitive virtue,” as the classical writers would have put it, though this virtue had been softened, refined, and purified by civilizing and instructing influences, of which the old Roman heroes—the Fabiuses, the Catos, the Scipios—had known nothing.