AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A lovely garden adjoined the Caesareum, the palace in which Sabina was residing.
acacianounUS /əˈkeɪʃə/
any of various spiny trees or shrubs of the genus Acacia
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
adjoined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A lovely garden adjoined the Caesareum, the palace in which Sabina was residing.
Aeoliannoun
a member of one of four linguistic divisions of the prehistoric Greeks
From this reading She had determined to keep her word to learn to speak, write, and compose verses in the Aeolian dialect of the Greek tongue.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
atmospherenounUS /ˈætməsfɪr/
a particular environment or surrounding influence
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
Balbilla
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
benchnounUS /bentʃ/
a long seat for more than one person
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
birdsnounUS /bɜːrdz/
plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
blueadjectiveUS /bluː/
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
brilliantadjectiveUS /ˈbrɪljənt/
of surpassing excellence
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
bushesnounUS /ˈbʊʃəz/
plural of “bush” — a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
Caesareum
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A lovely garden adjoined the Caesareum, the palace in which Sabina was residing.
certainadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtən/
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
clearverbUS /klɪr/
rid of obstructions
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
commandnounUS /kəˈmænd/
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
composeverbUS /kəmˈpoʊz/
form the substance of
From this reading She had determined to keep her word to learn to speak, write, and compose verses in the Aeolian dialect of the Greek tongue.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
curiositynounUS /ˌkjʊriˈɑːsəti/
a state in which you want to learn more about something
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
DecembernounUS /dɪˈsembər/
the last (12th) month of the year
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
deepadjectiveUS /diːp/
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
detailsnounUS /dɪˈteɪlz/
true confidential information
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
determinedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtɜːrmənd/
characterized by great determination
From this reading She had determined to keep her word to learn to speak, write, and compose verses in the Aeolian dialect of the Greek tongue.
dialectnounUS /ˈdaɪəlekt/
the usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people
From this reading She had determined to keep her word to learn to speak, write, and compose verses in the Aeolian dialect of the Greek tongue.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
dryadjectiveUS /draɪ/
free from liquid or moisture; lacking natural or normal moisture or depleted of water; or no longer wet
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
enlivenedadjectiveUS /enˈlaɪvənd/
made sprightly or cheerful
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
eyesnounUS /aɪz/
opinion or judgment
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
faradverbUS /fɑːr/
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
feelingnounUS /ˈfiːlɪŋ/
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
fixedadjectiveUS /fɪkst/
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
floweringnounUS /ˈflaʊərɪŋ/
the time and process of budding and unfolding of blossoms
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
foliagenounUS /ˈfoʊlɪdʒ/
the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
fondadjectiveUS /fɑːnd/
having or displaying warmth or affection
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
fragrancenounUS /ˈfreɪɡrəns/
a distinctive odor that is pleasant
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
gapnounUS /ɡæp/
a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
gardennounUS /ˈɡɑːrdən/
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading A lovely garden adjoined the Caesareum, the palace in which Sabina was residing.
gazingverbUS /ˈɡeɪzɪŋ/
-ing form of “gaze” — look at with fixed eyes
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
gleamingnounUS /ˈɡliːmɪŋ/
a flash of light (especially reflected light)
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
GreeknounUS /ɡriːk/
the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European family of languages
From this reading She had determined to keep her word to learn to speak, write, and compose verses in the Aeolian dialect of the Greek tongue.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
hereadverbUS /hiːr/
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
housenounUS /haʊs/
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
impressingverbUS /ˌɪmˈpresɪŋ/
-ing form of “impress” — have an emotional or cognitive impact upon
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A lovely garden adjoined the Caesareum, the palace in which Sabina was residing.
indescribablyadverb
to an inexpressible degree
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
infiniteadjectiveUS /ˈɪnfənət/
having no limits or boundaries in time or space or extent or magnitude
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
insteadadverbUS /ˌɪnˈsted/
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
invitationnounUS /ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən/
a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
keepverbUS /kiːp/
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading She had determined to keep her word to learn to speak, write, and compose verses in the Aeolian dialect of the Greek tongue.
learnverbUS /lɜːrn/
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading She had determined to keep her word to learn to speak, write, and compose verses in the Aeolian dialect of the Greek tongue.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
lingeringnounUS /ˈlɪŋɡərɪŋ/
the act of tarrying
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
lovelyadjectiveUS /ˈlʌvli/
appealing to the emotions as well as the eye
From this reading A lovely garden adjoined the Caesareum, the palace in which Sabina was residing.
memorynounUS /ˈmem.ər.i/
The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
mirrornounUS /ˈmɪrər/
polished surface that forms images by reflecting light
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
observeverbUS /əbˈzɜːrv/
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
palacenounUS /ˈpæləs/
a large and stately mansion
From this reading A lovely garden adjoined the Caesareum, the palace in which Sabina was residing.
papyrusnoun
paper made from the papyrus plant by cutting it in strips and pressing it flat; used by ancient Egyptians and Greeks and Romans
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
particularlyadverbUS /ˌpɑːrˈtɪkjələrli/
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
pathnounUS /pæθ/
a course of conduct
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
pathsnounUS /pæðz/
plural of “path” — a course of conduct
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
placedadjectiveUS /pleɪst/
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
poetessnoun
a woman poet
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
promenaders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
publicnounUS /ˈpʌblɪk/
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
quitverbUS /kwɪt/
put an end to a state or an activity
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
residingverbUS /rɪˈzaɪdɪŋ/
-ing form of “reside” — make one's home in a particular place or community
From this reading A lovely garden adjoined the Caesareum, the palace in which Sabina was residing.
retentiveadjective
good at remembering
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
rollverbUS /roʊl/
move by turning over or rotating
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
Sabina
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A lovely garden adjoined the Caesareum, the palace in which Sabina was residing.
screenedverbUS /skriːnd/
past form of “screen” — test or examine for the presence of disease or infection
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
seanounUS /siː/
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
seatnounUS /siːt/
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
seekverbUS /siːk/
try to get or reach
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
shadedadjectiveUS /ˈʃeɪdɪd/
protected from heat and light with shade or shadow
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
shellsnounUS /ʃelz/
plural of “shell” — ammunition consisting of a cylindrical metal casing containing an explosive charge and a projectile; fired from a large gun
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
shrubnounUS /ʃrʌb/
a low woody perennial plant usually having several major stems
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
shrubberynounUS /ˈʃrʌbəri/
an area where a number of shrubs are planted
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
skynounUS /skaɪ/
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
slightlyadverbUS /ˈslaɪtli/
to a small degree or extent
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
soughtadjectiveUS /sɔːt/
that is looked for
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
sparklingadjectiveUS /ˈspɑːrklɪŋ/
shining with brilliant points of light like stars
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
speakverbUS /spiːk/
express in speech
From this reading She had determined to keep her word to learn to speak, write, and compose verses in the Aeolian dialect of the Greek tongue.
spotnounUS /spɑːt/
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
strewnverbUS /struːn/
inflected form of “strew” — spread by scattering ("straw" is archaic)
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
sunnyadjectiveUS /ˈsʌni/
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A lovely garden adjoined the Caesareum, the palace in which Sabina was residing.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
throughprepositionUS /θruː/
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
To-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
tonguenounUS /tʌŋ/
a mobile mass of muscular tissue covered with mucous membrane and located in the oral cavity
From this reading She had determined to keep her word to learn to speak, write, and compose verses in the Aeolian dialect of the Greek tongue.
twenty-ninthadjective
coming next after the twenty-eighth in position
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
versesnounUS /ˈvɜːrsəz/
plural of “verse” — literature in metrical form
From this reading She had determined to keep her word to learn to speak, write, and compose verses in the Aeolian dialect of the Greek tongue.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
viewnounUS /vjuː/
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
waftedverbUS /ˈwɑːftɪd/
past form of “waft” — be driven or carried along, as by the air
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A lovely garden adjoined the Caesareum, the palace in which Sabina was residing.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A lovely garden adjoined the Caesareum, the palace in which Sabina was residing.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
windownounUS /ˈwɪndoʊ/
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading Balbilla was fond of lingering there, and as the morning of the twenty-ninth of December was particularly brilliant--the sky and its infinite mirror the sea, gleaming in indescribably deep blue, while the fragrance of a flowering shrub was wafted in at her window like an invitation to quit the house she had sought a certain bench which, though placed in a sunny spot, was slightly shaded by an acacia.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading This seat was screened from the more public paths by bushes; the promenaders who did not seek Balbilla could not observe her here, but she could command a view, through a gap in the foliage, of the path, which was strewn with small shells.
wordnounUS /wɜːrd/
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading She had determined to keep her word to learn to speak, write, and compose verses in the Aeolian dialect of the Greek tongue.
writeverbUS /raɪt/
produce a literary work
From this reading She had determined to keep her word to learn to speak, write, and compose verses in the Aeolian dialect of the Greek tongue.
yellowadjectiveUS /ˈjeloʊ/
of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.
youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading To-day, however, the young poetess was far from feeling any curiosity; instead of gazing at the shrubbery enlivened by birds, at the clear atmosphere or the sparkling sea, her eyes were fixed on a yellow roll of papyrus and she was impressing very dry details on her retentive memory.