1875
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A formidable rival of the Darblays, the great millers of France, the firm of Desvarennes is a commercial and political power.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Inquire in Paris about its solvency, and you will be told that you may safely advance twenty millions of francs on the signature of the head of the firm.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
advanceverbUS /ədˈvæns/
move forward, also in the metaphorical sense
From this reading Inquire in Paris about its solvency, and you will be told that you may safely advance twenty millions of francs on the signature of the head of the firm.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Inquire in Paris about its solvency, and you will be told that you may safely advance twenty millions of francs on the signature of the head of the firm.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
bestnounUS /best/
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
buildingnounUS /ˈbɪldɪŋ/
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
coat-of-arms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
commercialadjectiveUS /kəˈmɜːrʃəl/
connected with or engaged in or sponsored by or used in commerce or commercial enterprises
From this reading A formidable rival of the Darblays, the great millers of France, the firm of Desvarennes is a commercial and political power.
counting-houses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
courtyardnounUS /ˈkɔːrt.jɑːrd/
An unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by the walls of a house.
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
Darblays
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A formidable rival of the Darblays, the great millers of France, the firm of Desvarennes is a commercial and political power.
DESVARENNES
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
DominiquenounUS /dɔːmɪˈniːk/
American breed of chicken having barred grey plumage raised for meat and brown eggs
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
effaced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
estatenounUS /ɪˈsteɪt/
everything you own; all of your assets (whether real property or personal property) and liabilities
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
familynounUS /ˈfæməli/
a social unit living together
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
firmadjectiveUS /fɜːrm/
marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
formidableadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrmədəbəl/
extremely impressive in strength or excellence
From this reading A formidable rival of the Darblays, the great millers of France, the firm of Desvarennes is a commercial and political power.
FrancenounUS /fræns/
a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe
From this reading A formidable rival of the Darblays, the great millers of France, the firm of Desvarennes is a commercial and political power.
francsnounUS /fræŋks/
plural of “franc” — the basic monetary unit in many countries; equal to 100 centimes
From this reading Inquire in Paris about its solvency, and you will be told that you may safely advance twenty millions of francs on the signature of the head of the firm.
FrenchnounUS /frentʃ/
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
gate-way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading A formidable rival of the Darblays, the great millers of France, the firm of Desvarennes is a commercial and political power.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Madame Desvarennes inhabits the mansion which she has had magnificently renovated.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
headnounUS /hed/
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Inquire in Paris about its solvency, and you will be told that you may safely advance twenty millions of francs on the signature of the head of the firm.
HOUSEnounUS /haʊs/
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
importantadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɔːrtənt/
of great significance or value
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
industrynounUS /ˈɪndəstri/
the people or companies engaged in a particular kind of commercial enterprise
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
inhabitsverbUS /ɪnˈhæbəts/
third-person singular of “inhabit” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading Madame Desvarennes inhabits the mansion which she has had magnificently renovated.
InquireverbUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪr/
address a question to and expect an answer from
From this reading Inquire in Paris about its solvency, and you will be told that you may safely advance twenty millions of francs on the signature of the head of the firm.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Inquire in Paris about its solvency, and you will be told that you may safely advance twenty millions of francs on the signature of the head of the firm.
knownadjectiveUS /noʊn/
apprehended with certainty
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
lookingnounUS /ˈlʊkɪŋ/
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
MadamenounUS /ˈmædəm/
title used for a married Frenchwoman
From this reading Madame Desvarennes inhabits the mansion which she has had magnificently renovated.
magnificentlyadverbUS /mæɡˈnɪfəsəntli/
extremely well
From this reading Madame Desvarennes inhabits the mansion which she has had magnificently renovated.
mansionnounUS /ˈmænʃən/
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Inquire in Paris about its solvency, and you will be told that you may safely advance twenty millions of francs on the signature of the head of the firm.
millersnounUS /ˈmɪlərz/
plural of “miller” — United States bandleader of a popular big band (1909-1944)
From this reading A formidable rival of the Darblays, the great millers of France, the firm of Desvarennes is a commercial and political power.
millionsnounUS /ˈmɪljənz/
plural of “million” — the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros
From this reading Inquire in Paris about its solvency, and you will be told that you may safely advance twenty millions of francs on the signature of the head of the firm.
mostadverbUS /moʊst/
used to form the superlative
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
occupiedadjectiveUS /ˈɑːkjəpaɪd/
held or filled or in use
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
OFprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Inquire in Paris about its solvency, and you will be told that you may safely advance twenty millions of francs on the signature of the head of the firm.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
ownersnounUS /ˈoʊnərz/
plural of “owner” — (law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
ParisnounUS /ˈperɪs/
the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce
From this reading Inquire in Paris about its solvency, and you will be told that you may safely advance twenty millions of francs on the signature of the head of the firm.
politicaladjectiveUS /pəˈlɪtəkəl/
involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians
From this reading A formidable rival of the Darblays, the great millers of France, the firm of Desvarennes is a commercial and political power.
powernounUS /ˈpaʊər/
possession of controlling influence
From this reading A formidable rival of the Darblays, the great millers of France, the firm of Desvarennes is a commercial and political power.
renovatedverbUS /ˈrenəveɪtɪd/
past form of “renovate” — restore to a previous or better condition
From this reading Madame Desvarennes inhabits the mansion which she has had magnificently renovated.
rivalverbUS /ˈraɪvəl/
be equal to in quality or ability
From this reading A formidable rival of the Darblays, the great millers of France, the firm of Desvarennes is a commercial and political power.
RuenounUS /ruː/
European strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
safelyadverbUS /ˈseɪfli/
with safety; in a safe manner
From this reading Inquire in Paris about its solvency, and you will be told that you may safely advance twenty millions of francs on the signature of the head of the firm.
SaintnounUS /seɪnt/
a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
servantsnounUS /ˈsɜːrvənts/
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Madame Desvarennes inhabits the mansion which she has had magnificently renovated.
signaturenounUS /ˈsɪɡnətʃər/
your name written in your own handwriting
From this reading Inquire in Paris about its solvency, and you will be told that you may safely advance twenty millions of francs on the signature of the head of the firm.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
solvencynounUS /ˈsɔːlvənsi/
the ability to meet maturing obligations as they come due
From this reading Inquire in Paris about its solvency, and you will be told that you may safely advance twenty millions of francs on the signature of the head of the firm.
stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/
not in physical motion
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Inquire in Paris about its solvency, and you will be told that you may safely advance twenty millions of francs on the signature of the head of the firm.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE HOUSE OF DESVARENNES The firm of Desvarennes has been in an ancient mansion in the Rue Saint Dominique since 1875; it is one of the best known and most important in French industry.
toldverbUS /toʊld/
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading Inquire in Paris about its solvency, and you will be told that you may safely advance twenty millions of francs on the signature of the head of the firm.
twentynounUS /ˈtwenti/
the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one
From this reading Inquire in Paris about its solvency, and you will be told that you may safely advance twenty millions of francs on the signature of the head of the firm.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Inquire in Paris about its solvency, and you will be told that you may safely advance twenty millions of francs on the signature of the head of the firm.
wingsnounUS /wɪŋz/
a means of flight or ascent
From this reading The counting-houses are in the wings of the building looking upon the courtyard, which were occupied by the servants when the family whose coat-of-arms has been effaced from above the gate-way were still owners of the estate.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Inquire in Paris about its solvency, and you will be told that you may safely advance twenty millions of francs on the signature of the head of the firm.
