used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The gulf between past and present was so wide that for a while she was dazed and stunned.
adorationnounUS /ˌædərˈeɪʃən/
a feeling of profound love and admiration
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
anew
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
(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 It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
amiablyadverbUS /ˈeɪmiəbli/
in an affable manner
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The gulf between past and present was so wide that for a while she was dazed and stunned.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
plural of “bell” — a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading The gulf between past and present was so wide that for a while she was dazed and stunned.
bonzes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
brought into existence
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The meek obedience of O'Tei to her father's wishes was but ill requited.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
make calm or still
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
cleaningnounUS /ˈkliːnɪŋ/
the act of making something clean
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
contrastnounUS /ˈkɑːntræst/
the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
the skilled practice of a practical occupation
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
an artistic form of nonverbal communication
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
dazedadjectiveUS /deɪzd/
in a state of mental numbness especially as resulting from shock
From this reading The gulf between past and present was so wide that for a while she was dazed and stunned.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
desolateadjectiveUS /ˈdesələt/
providing no shelter or sustenance
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
drearadjective
causing dejection
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
droningnounUS /ˈdroʊnɪŋ/
an unchanging intonation
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
remove the dust from
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
morally objectionable behavior
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading The meek obedience of O'Tei to her father's wishes was but ill requited.
floatingadjectiveUS /ˈfloʊtɪŋ/
borne up by or suspended in a liquid
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The gulf between past and present was so wide that for a while she was dazed and stunned.
foreheadsnounUS /ˈfɔːrhedz/
plural of “forehead” — the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
gardeningnounUS /ˈɡɑːrdənɪŋ/
the cultivation of plants
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
United States computer entrepreneur whose software company made him the youngest multi-billionaire in the history of the United States (born in 1955)
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
gulfnounUS /ɡʌlf/
an arm of a sea or ocean partly enclosed by land; larger than a bay
From this reading The gulf between past and present was so wide that for a while she was dazed and stunned.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The meek obedience of O'Tei to her father's wishes was but ill requited.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
From this reading The meek obedience of O'Tei to her father's wishes was but ill requited.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
lazyadjectiveUS /ˈleɪzi/
moving slowly and gently
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading MARRIED LIFE.
feeling or showing love and affection
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
joined in matrimony
From this reading MARRIED LIFE.
meekadjectiveUS /miːk/
humble in spirit or manner; suggesting retiring mildness or even cowed submissiveness
From this reading The meek obedience of O'Tei to her father's wishes was but ill requited.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
nosesnounUS /ˈnoʊzɪz/
plural of “nose” — the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
O'Tei
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The meek obedience of O'Tei to her father's wishes was but ill requited.
obediencenounUS /oʊˈbiːdiəns/
the act of obeying; dutiful or submissive behavior with respect to another person
From this reading The meek obedience of O'Tei to her father's wishes was but ill requited.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The meek obedience of O'Tei to her father's wishes was but ill requited.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading The gulf between past and present was so wide that for a while she was dazed and stunned.
pastimenounUS /ˈpæstaɪm/
a diversion that occupies one's time and thoughts (usually pleasantly)
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
precinctsnounUS /ˈpriːsɪŋkts/
plural of “precinct” — a district of a city or town marked out for administrative purposes
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The gulf between past and present was so wide that for a while she was dazed and stunned.
priestesses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
primverbUS /prɪm/
assume a prim appearance
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
past form of “recall” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
requited
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The meek obedience of O'Tei to her father's wishes was but ill requited.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The gulf between past and present was so wide that for a while she was dazed and stunned.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The gulf between past and present was so wide that for a while she was dazed and stunned.
stunnedadjectiveUS /stʌnd/
filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
From this reading The gulf between past and present was so wide that for a while she was dazed and stunned.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
sweet-tempered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The gulf between past and present was so wide that for a while she was dazed and stunned.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The meek obedience of O'Tei to her father's wishes was but ill requited.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
tinklingadjectiveUS /ˈtɪŋkəlɪŋ/
like the short high ringing sound of a small bell
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The meek obedience of O'Tei to her father's wishes was but ill requited.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The meek obedience of O'Tei to her father's wishes was but ill requited.
weightiest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The gulf between past and present was so wide that for a while she was dazed and stunned.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading The gulf between past and present was so wide that for a while she was dazed and stunned.
plural of “wish” — a specific feeling of desire
From this reading The meek obedience of O'Tei to her father's wishes was but ill requited.
in the company of; together with
From this reading How calm and happy by contrast appeared that other life, as she recalled to mind the company of prim priestesses slowly floating in the dance; the lazy, sweet-tempered bonzes tinkling on bells, droning amiably through noses--their weightiest duty, adoration of the sun with foreheads in the dust; their loving labour, the cleaning of temple precincts; their pastime, the gentle craft of gardening.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading It seemed to her that she must have passed in sleep through the gates of Death, and have been born again into a new dark world--desolate and drear--which was all evil.
