used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
acceptsverbUS /ækˈsepts/
third-person singular of “accept” — consider or hold as true
From this reading "I'll make that 'accepts with pleasure'."
AdministrativeadjectiveUS /ədˈmɪnəstreɪtɪv/
of or relating to or responsible for administration
From this reading "You can't turn this invitation down," Administrative Assistant Meuhl said flatly.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading You don't have to be crazy to be an earth diplomat--but on Groac it sure helps!
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
AssistantnounUS /əˈsɪstənt/
a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading "You can't turn this invitation down," Administrative Assistant Meuhl said flatly.
be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
AutonomynounUS /ɔːˈtɑːnəmi/
immunity from arbitrary exercise of authority: political independence
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading You don't have to be crazy to be an earth diplomat--but on Groac it sure helps!
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading You don't have to be crazy to be an earth diplomat--but on Groac it sure helps!
can't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "You can't turn this invitation down," Administrative Assistant Meuhl said flatly.
cetera
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
cigarnounUS /sɪˈɡɑːr/
a roll of tobacco for smoking
From this reading Retief exhaled a plume of cigar smoke.
complimentsnounUS /ˈkɑːmpləments/
(usually plural) a polite expression of desire for someone's welfare
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
ConsulnounUS /ˈkɑːnsəl/
a diplomat appointed by a government to protect its commercial interests and help its citizens in a foreign country
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
crazyadjectiveUS /ˈkreɪzi/
affected with madness or insanity
From this reading You don't have to be crazy to be an earth diplomat--but on Groac it sure helps!
CulturenounUS /ˈkʌltʃər/
a particular society at a particular time and place
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
diplomatnounUS /ˈdɪpləmæt/
an official engaged in international negotiations
From this reading You don't have to be crazy to be an earth diplomat--but on Groac it sure helps!
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You don't have to be crazy to be an earth diplomat--but on Groac it sure helps!
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading "You can't turn this invitation down," Administrative Assistant Meuhl said flatly.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading You don't have to be crazy to be an earth diplomat--but on Groac it sure helps!
et
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
exhaledverbUS /eksˈheɪld/
past form of “exhale” — expel air
From this reading Retief exhaled a plume of cigar smoke.
give expression to
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
flatlyadverbUS /ˈflætli/
in an unqualified manner
From this reading "You can't turn this invitation down," Administrative Assistant Meuhl said flatly.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
grimacingverbUS /ˈɡrɪməsɪŋ/
-ing form of “grimace” — contort the face to indicate a certain mental or emotional state
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
Groac
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You don't have to be crazy to be an earth diplomat--but on Groac it sure helps!
Groacian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading You don't have to be crazy to be an earth diplomat--but on Groac it sure helps!
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
helpsnounUS /helps/
plural of “help” — the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading You don't have to be crazy to be an earth diplomat--but on Groac it sure helps!
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
I'll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I'll make that 'accepts with pleasure'."
interpretiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɜːrprətɪv/
that provides interpretation
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading You don't have to be crazy to be an earth diplomat--but on Groac it sure helps!
engage in
From this reading "I'll make that 'accepts with pleasure'."
Meuhl
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "You can't turn this invitation down," Administrative Assistant Meuhl said flatly.
MinistrynounUS /ˈmɪnəstri/
religious ministers collectively (especially Presbyterian)
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
Ministry'snounUS /ˈmɪnəstriz/
possessive form of “ministry” — religious ministers collectively (especially Presbyterian)
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading You don't have to be crazy to be an earth diplomat--but on Groac it sure helps!
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading "I'll make that 'accepts with pleasure'."
plumeverbUS /pluːm/
rip off; ask an unreasonable price
From this reading Retief exhaled a plume of cigar smoke.
presentsnounUS /ˈprezənts/
plural of “present” — the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
recitalnounUS /rəˈsaɪtəl/
the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
referencenounUS /ˈrefərəns/
a remark that calls attention to something or someone
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
Retief
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas
From this reading Retief exhaled a plume of cigar smoke.
plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading You don't have to be crazy to be an earth diplomat--but on Groac it sure helps!
TerrestrialadjectiveUS /tərˈestriəl/
of or relating to or inhabiting the land as opposed to the sea or air
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "You can't turn this invitation down," Administrative Assistant Meuhl said flatly.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading You don't have to be crazy to be an earth diplomat--but on Groac it sure helps!
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading "You can't turn this invitation down," Administrative Assistant Meuhl said flatly.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
in the company of; together with
From this reading "The Consul for the Terrestrial States," Retief said, "presents his compliments, et cetera, to the Ministry of Culture of the Groacian Autonomy, and with reference to the Ministry's invitation to attend a recital of interpretive grimacing, has the honor to express regret that he will be unable--"
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading You don't have to be crazy to be an earth diplomat--but on Groac it sure helps!
