used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
accostedverbUS /əˈkɑːstɪd/
past form of “accost” — speak to someone
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
afflictedadjectiveUS /əˈflɪktɪd/
grievously affected especially by disease
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
(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 After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
react verbally
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
separated or at a distance in place or position or time
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
plural of “beast” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
cause to be bored
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
Cigoli
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
having come or been brought to a conclusion
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
cureverbUS /kjʊr/
provide a cure for, make healthy again
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
danounUS /dɑː/
an official prosecutor for a judicial district
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
damselnounUS /ˈdæmzəl/
a young unmarried woman
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
DantenounUS /ˈdɑːnteɪ/
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 Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
defectsnounUS /ˈdiːfekts/
plural of “defect” — an imperfection in a bodily system
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
Domenico
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
elephantnounUS /ˈeləfənt/
five-toed pachyderm
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
endeavouring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
devoid of good sense or judgment
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
set up or found
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
a man of refinement
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
destroyed or killed
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
highest in quality
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
to an extraordinary extent or degree
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
the emotion of great happiness
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
immediately past
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
go away from a place
From this reading Then said Dante, “O elephant, leave me in peace!” and so saying, he turned and left him.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading Then said Dante, “O elephant, leave me in peace!” and so saying, he turned and left him.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
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 Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
a dark region of considerable extent on the surface of the moon
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
meditatingverbUS /ˈmedəteɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “meditate” — reflect deeply on a subject
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
meetsnounUS /miːts/
plural of “meet” — a meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
information about recent and important events
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
NovellanounUS /noʊˈvelə/
a short novel
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust
From this reading Then said Dante, “O elephant, leave me in peace!” and so saying, he turned and left him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
overlookverbUS /ˈoʊvərlʊk/
look past, fail to notice
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading Then said Dante, “O elephant, leave me in peace!” and so saying, he turned and left him.
a human being
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
PlinynounUS /ˈplɪni/
Roman writer and nephew of Pliny the Elder; author of books of letters that commented on affairs of the day (62-113)
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
a clergyman in Christian churches who has the authority to perform or administer various religious rites; one of the Holy Orders
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
possessing material wealth
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
richesnounUS /ˈrɪtʃəz/
an abundance of material possessions and resources
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
relieve from
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
capital and largest city of Italy; on the Tiber; seat of the Roman Catholic Church; formerly the capital of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
a reason for wanting something done
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
SantanounUS /ˈsæntə/
the legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at Christmas
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading Then said Dante, “O elephant, leave me in peace!” and so saying, he turned and left him.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Then said Dante, “O elephant, leave me in peace!” and so saying, he turned and left him.
a male human offspring
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
plural of “soul” — the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
express in words
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
an old word for “you”, as the object, speaking to one person
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
an old word for “you”, as the subject, speaking to one person
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
transportsnounUS /trænˈspɔːrts/
plural of “transport” — something that serves as a means of transportation
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Then said Dante, “O elephant, leave me in peace!” and so saying, he turned and left him.
undertookverbUS /ˌʌndərˈtʊk/
inflected form of “undertake” — enter upon an activity or enterprise
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
vainlyadverbUS /ˈveɪnli/
to no avail
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
precisely as stated
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
a community of people smaller than a town
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
at the time that
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading After vainly endeavouring to get rid of him, Dante at last said, “Before I reply to thee do thou tell me the answer to a certain question,” and then asked him, “_Which is the greatest of all beasts?_” The gentleman replied that “on the authority of Pliny he believed it to be the elephant.”
which person or people
From this reading Dante, meditating apart one day in the church of Santa Maria Novella, was accosted by a bore, who asked him many foolish questions.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading Domenico da Cigoli having gone to Rome, news was brought him a few days after that his wife was dead; upon which he, in the utmost transports of joy, immediately became priest and undertook the cure of souls in his own village, when who should be the very first person that he meets but his wife, who was not dead but living, which greatly afflicted him.
disposed or inclined toward
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
wishingnounUS /ˈwɪʃɪŋ/
a specific feeling of desire
From this reading A certain rich man had a son who had but little sense, and wishing to get him a wife, found a fair and gentle damsel; and her parents being willing to overlook the defects of the man for the sake of his riches, the marriage was concluded.
