Chapter IV · Chapter 4

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

From this reading Here Messer Folco bowed very courteously to Dante, but before Dante, who seemed, as indeed he well might, somewhat at a loss what to say, could utter a syllable in reply, Messer Guido had forestalled him.

using the voice; not silently

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

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

From this reading "Messer Dante," he said, "you are very welcome to my house, and I greet you cheerfully.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading "Messer Dante," he said, "you are very welcome to my house, and I greet you cheerfully.

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

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Here Messer Folco bowed very courteously to Dante, but before Dante, who seemed, as indeed he well might, somewhat at a loss what to say, could utter a syllable in reply, Messer Guido had forestalled him.

perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

on the far side of; further than

From this reading Beyond this it is fit that I should explain to you why, in this instant of your coming, your name is in so many mouths.

of a stringed instrument; sounded by stroking with a bow

From this reading Here Messer Folco bowed very courteously to Dante, but before Dante, who seemed, as indeed he well might, somewhat at a loss what to say, could utter a syllable in reply, Messer Guido had forestalled him.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

in a cheerful manner

From this reading "Messer Dante," he said, "you are very welcome to my house, and I greet you cheerfully.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading Beyond this it is fit that I should explain to you why, in this instant of your coming, your name is in so many mouths.

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

From this reading Here Messer Folco bowed very courteously to Dante, but before Dante, who seemed, as indeed he well might, somewhat at a loss what to say, could utter a syllable in reply, Messer Guido had forestalled him.

in a polite manner

From this reading Here Messer Folco bowed very courteously to Dante, but before Dante, who seemed, as indeed he well might, somewhat at a loss what to say, could utter a syllable in reply, Messer Guido had forestalled him.

an Italian poet famous for writing the Divine Comedy that describes a journey through Hell and purgatory and paradise guided by Virgil and his idealized Beatrice (1265-1321)

From this reading "Messer Dante," he said, "you are very welcome to my house, and I greet you cheerfully.

-ing form of “decline” — grow worse

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

feeling great rapture or delight

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

to come or go into

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

-ing form of “entreat” — ask for or request earnestly

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

make plain and comprehensible

From this reading Beyond this it is fit that I should explain to you why, in this instant of your coming, your name is in so many mouths.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading Beyond this it is fit that I should explain to you why, in this instant of your coming, your name is in so many mouths.

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

From this reading Here Messer Folco bowed very courteously to Dante, but before Dante, who seemed, as indeed he well might, somewhat at a loss what to say, could utter a syllable in reply, Messer Guido had forestalled him.

past form of “forestall” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading Here Messer Folco bowed very courteously to Dante, but before Dante, who seemed, as indeed he well might, somewhat at a loss what to say, could utter a syllable in reply, Messer Guido had forestalled him.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

express greetings upon meeting someone

From this reading "Messer Dante," he said, "you are very welcome to my house, and I greet you cheerfully.

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

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

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

From this reading Here Messer Folco bowed very courteously to Dante, but before Dante, who seemed, as indeed he well might, somewhat at a loss what to say, could utter a syllable in reply, Messer Guido had forestalled him.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "Messer Dante," he said, "you are very welcome to my house, and I greet you cheerfully.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

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

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

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

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

plural of “hold” — the act of grasping

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading "Messer Dante," he said, "you are very welcome to my house, and I greet you cheerfully.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "Messer Dante," he said, "you are very welcome to my house, and I greet you cheerfully.

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

From this reading Beyond this it is fit that I should explain to you why, in this instant of your coming, your name is in so many mouths.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Here Messer Folco bowed very courteously to Dante, but before Dante, who seemed, as indeed he well might, somewhat at a loss what to say, could utter a syllable in reply, Messer Guido had forestalled him.

a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)

From this reading Beyond this it is fit that I should explain to you why, in this instant of your coming, your name is in so many mouths.

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

From this reading Beyond this it is fit that I should explain to you why, in this instant of your coming, your name is in so many mouths.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Beyond this it is fit that I should explain to you why, in this instant of your coming, your name is in so many mouths.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

up to the immediate present; most recent or most up-to-date

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

something that is lost

From this reading Here Messer Folco bowed very courteously to Dante, but before Dante, who seemed, as indeed he well might, somewhat at a loss what to say, could utter a syllable in reply, Messer Guido had forestalled him.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Beyond this it is fit that I should explain to you why, in this instant of your coming, your name is in so many mouths.

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

From this reading "Messer Dante," he said, "you are very welcome to my house, and I greet you cheerfully.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Here Messer Folco bowed very courteously to Dante, but before Dante, who seemed, as indeed he well might, somewhat at a loss what to say, could utter a syllable in reply, Messer Guido had forestalled him.

freedom from vanity or conceit

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

plural of “mouth” — the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge

From this reading Beyond this it is fit that I should explain to you why, in this instant of your coming, your name is in so many mouths.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "Messer Dante," he said, "you are very welcome to my house, and I greet you cheerfully.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Beyond this it is fit that I should explain to you why, in this instant of your coming, your name is in so many mouths.

Having no name, or having a name that is kept secret or unknown.

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Beyond this it is fit that I should explain to you why, in this instant of your coming, your name is in so many mouths.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

on one occasion

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

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

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

From this reading Here Messer Folco bowed very courteously to Dante, but before Dante, who seemed, as indeed he well might, somewhat at a loss what to say, could utter a syllable in reply, Messer Guido had forestalled him.

plural of “rhyme” — correspondence in the sounds of two or more lines (especially final sounds)

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "Messer Dante," he said, "you are very welcome to my house, and I greet you cheerfully.

express in words

From this reading Here Messer Folco bowed very courteously to Dante, but before Dante, who seemed, as indeed he well might, somewhat at a loss what to say, could utter a syllable in reply, Messer Guido had forestalled him.

perception by means of the eyes

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Here Messer Folco bowed very courteously to Dante, but before Dante, who seemed, as indeed he well might, somewhat at a loss what to say, could utter a syllable in reply, Messer Guido had forestalled him.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Beyond this it is fit that I should explain to you why, in this instant of your coming, your name is in so many mouths.

a person who sings

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Beyond this it is fit that I should explain to you why, in this instant of your coming, your name is in so many mouths.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading Here Messer Folco bowed very courteously to Dante, but before Dante, who seemed, as indeed he well might, somewhat at a loss what to say, could utter a syllable in reply, Messer Guido had forestalled him.

the utterance of intelligible speech

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

a unit of spoken language larger than a phoneme

From this reading Here Messer Folco bowed very courteously to Dante, but before Dante, who seemed, as indeed he well might, somewhat at a loss what to say, could utter a syllable in reply, Messer Guido had forestalled him.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Beyond this it is fit that I should explain to you why, in this instant of your coming, your name is in so many mouths.

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

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

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

From this reading Beyond this it is fit that I should explain to you why, in this instant of your coming, your name is in so many mouths.

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

From this reading "Messer Dante," he said, "you are very welcome to my house, and I greet you cheerfully.

not known

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise

From this reading Here Messer Folco bowed very courteously to Dante, but before Dante, who seemed, as indeed he well might, somewhat at a loss what to say, could utter a syllable in reply, Messer Guido had forestalled him.

plural of “verse” — literature in metrical form

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

precisely as stated

From this reading "Messer Dante," he said, "you are very welcome to my house, and I greet you cheerfully.

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

From this reading And he declining from, as we think, an over-delicate sense of modesty, it was suggested by him or by another, I know not, on seeing you enter, that you should read to us the rhymes in question."

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

accept gladly

From this reading "Messer Dante," he said, "you are very welcome to my house, and I greet you cheerfully.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Here Messer Folco bowed very courteously to Dante, but before Dante, who seemed, as indeed he well might, somewhat at a loss what to say, could utter a syllable in reply, Messer Guido had forestalled him.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Here Messer Folco bowed very courteously to Dante, but before Dante, who seemed, as indeed he well might, somewhat at a loss what to say, could utter a syllable in reply, Messer Guido had forestalled him.

which person or people

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

belonging to which person

From this reading We were speaking here but now of the unknown poet whose verses have of late at once enraptured and bewildered our city, and many of us were entreating Messer Guido, who holds in his hand the latest verses of the nameless singer, to read them aloud to us.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading Beyond this it is fit that I should explain to you why, in this instant of your coming, your name is in so many mouths.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "Messer Dante," he said, "you are very welcome to my house, and I greet you cheerfully.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Beyond this it is fit that I should explain to you why, in this instant of your coming, your name is in so many mouths.