Chapter XXIV · Thespian

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

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

concurrence of opinion

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

from one side of something to the other

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

a native or inhabitant of Albania

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

not contained in or deriving from the essential nature of something

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

(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 All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

Having no one else present.

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

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

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

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

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

made in or typical of earlier times and valued for its age

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

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

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

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

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

plural of “athenian” — a resident of Athens

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

plural of “bay” — an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

plural of “birth” — the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

an occurrence of something

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

the rapid series of noises made by the parts of a machine

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

a visual attribute of things that results from the light they emit or transmit or reflect

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

plural of “costume” — the attire worn in a play or at a fancy dress ball

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

overfilled or compacted or concentrated

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

social or verbal interchange (usually followed by “with”)

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

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

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

a state in which all hope is lost or absent

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

without doubt; certainly

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

plural of “dress” — a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

a formal or authoritative proclamation

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

past form of “embroider” — decorate with needlework

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

inflected form of “envy” — feel envious towards; admire enviously

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

one of the greatest tragic dramatists of ancient Greece (480-406 BC)

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

past form of “exercise” — put to use

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

being the sex (of plant or animal) that produces fertilizable gametes (ova) from which offspring develop

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

disappointingly unsuccessful

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

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

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

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

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

a gay festivity

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

tastelessly showy

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

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

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

the property possessed by something or someone of outstanding importance or eminence

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

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

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

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

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

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

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

the quality of being humane

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

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

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

plural of “jacket” — a short coat

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

Byzantine emperor who held the eastern frontier of his empire against the Persians; codified Roman law in 529; his general Belisarius regained North Africa and Spain (483-565)

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

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

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

past form of “lack” — be without

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

plural of “land” — the land on which real estate is located

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

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

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

the force of workers available

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

not one, and not any

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

held or filled or in use

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

owed as a debt

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

causing physical or psychological pain

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

a dramatic or musical entertainment

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

in accord with physical laws

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

plural of “poet” — a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

the people who inhabit a territory or state

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

an expression of approval and commendation

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

completely free from dirt or contamination

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

plural of “privilege” — a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

be shown or be found to be

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

-ing form of “resemble” — appear like; be similar or bear a likeness to

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

cause to regain consciousness

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

something hard to endure

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

plural of “robe” — any loose flowing garment

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

uttered with a trill

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

plural of “sash” — a framework that holds the panes of a window in the window frame

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

an area that includes places where several people can sit

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

tending to select; characterized by careful choice

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

a plane figure with the shape of half a circle

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

plural of “shore” — the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

resembling or reminiscent of silver

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

a texture without roughness; smooth to the touch

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

one of the great tragedians of ancient Greece (496-406 BC)

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

of or relating to or characteristic of Sparta or its people

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

plural of “specimen” — an example regarded as typical of its class

From this reading The population of Melnos were, indeed, fine specimens of humanity, as, owing to the selective genius of Justinian, none but the physically perfect were admitted to the privileges of the island, and in the case of births he exercised an almost Spartan rigor.

having great beauty and splendor

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur and brilliance.

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

not in physical motion

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

(especially of weather) affected or characterized by storms or commotion

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

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

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

a large gathering of people

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

move fast, noisily, and heavily

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

up to a particular time

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

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

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

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

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

free from admixture

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

literature in metrical form

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

evoking lifelike images within the mind

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

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

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

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

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

in or at the place that

From this reading In alien lands across the stormy sea, Where with much painful learning do we dare In pristine splendor to revive the three, Till, foiled by antique genius high and rare, We quit the task with unalloyed despair.

during the time that

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

a Caucasian

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

someone who sees an event and reports what happened

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

the basic unit of money in South Korea

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in

From this reading All were in gala dresses, the men brilliant in Albanian costumes of fustanelli, embroidered jackets, gaudy gaiters, and vivid red silk sashes; while the women, in accordance with the edict of the Demarch, still wore their graceful, antique robes of white; indeed, the male bird here had the more splendid plumage of the two, but what the female lacked in color, she made up for in grace.

(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading The theatre of Melnos was crowded the next day to witness the one performance of the year, and the whole semicircle of seats was occupied by a chattering throng, resembling, doubtless, the gossip-loving Athenians of old.

a reference book that is published regularly once every year

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

but in spite of that

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,

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

From this reading The silvery smoothness of sweet Sophocles, The rolling thunder of Æschylean verse, The subtle twistings of Euripides To prove the better reason by the worse;— Such poets gained the light Athenian’s praise By daring dealings with the universe, And yearly won the envied crown of bays; But not on Attic shores alone,—for we Yet know their greatness in these modern days,