used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
acquaintancesnounUS /əˈkweɪntənsɪz/
plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading But either their friends and acquaintances lived too far away or were not invited to the house, for no stranger ever came near the place.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Patricia compared the place to the island of the Lotus-eaters, and after the storms of her early experiences, she enjoyed to the full its calm seclusion.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
antiquitynounUS /ænˈtɪkwəti/
the historic period preceding the Middle Ages in Europe
From this reading The Colpsters were a county family of respectable antiquity, and it was to be presumed that in the ordinary course of things they knew many people of their own rank.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading But either their friends and acquaintances lived too far away or were not invited to the house, for no stranger ever came near the place.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The Colpsters were a county family of respectable antiquity, and it was to be presumed that in the ordinary course of things they knew many people of their own rank.
Beckleigh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But either their friends and acquaintances lived too far away or were not invited to the house, for no stranger ever came near the place.
make calm or still
From this reading Patricia compared the place to the island of the Lotus-eaters, and after the storms of her early experiences, she enjoyed to the full its calm seclusion.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading But either their friends and acquaintances lived too far away or were not invited to the house, for no stranger ever came near the place.
Colpsters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Colpsters were a county family of respectable antiquity, and it was to be presumed that in the ordinary course of things they knew many people of their own rank.
comparedverbUS /kəmˈperd/
past form of “compare” — examine and note the similarities or differences of
From this reading Patricia compared the place to the island of the Lotus-eaters, and after the storms of her early experiences, she enjoyed to the full its calm seclusion.
(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government
From this reading The Colpsters were a county family of respectable antiquity, and it was to be presumed that in the ordinary course of things they knew many people of their own rank.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading The Colpsters were a county family of respectable antiquity, and it was to be presumed that in the ordinary course of things they knew many people of their own rank.
drowsyadjectiveUS /ˈdraʊzi/
half asleep
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
dwellingnounUS /ˈdwelɪŋ/
housing that someone is living in
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Patricia compared the place to the island of the Lotus-eaters, and after the storms of her early experiences, she enjoyed to the full its calm seclusion.
move gently or carefully
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
one or the other of two
From this reading But either their friends and acquaintances lived too far away or were not invited to the house, for no stranger ever came near the place.
enchantedadjectiveUS /ɪnˈtʃæn.tɪd/
Filled with or placed under the influence of magical power or charm.
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading Patricia compared the place to the island of the Lotus-eaters, and after the storms of her early experiences, she enjoyed to the full its calm seclusion.
at any time
From this reading But either their friends and acquaintances lived too far away or were not invited to the house, for no stranger ever came near the place.
experiencesnounUS /ɪkˈspɪriənsɪz/
plural of “experience” — the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities
From this reading Patricia compared the place to the island of the Lotus-eaters, and after the storms of her early experiences, she enjoyed to the full its calm seclusion.
fabledadjectiveUS /ˈfeɪbəld/
celebrated in fable or legend
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
a social unit living together
From this reading The Colpsters were a county family of respectable antiquity, and it was to be presumed that in the ordinary course of things they knew many people of their own rank.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading But either their friends and acquaintances lived too far away or were not invited to the house, for no stranger ever came near the place.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But either their friends and acquaintances lived too far away or were not invited to the house, for no stranger ever came near the place.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading But either their friends and acquaintances lived too far away or were not invited to the house, for no stranger ever came near the place.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading Patricia compared the place to the island of the Lotus-eaters, and after the storms of her early experiences, she enjoyed to the full its calm seclusion.
in a gradual manner
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Patricia compared the place to the island of the Lotus-eaters, and after the storms of her early experiences, she enjoyed to the full its calm seclusion.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading But either their friends and acquaintances lived too far away or were not invited to the house, for no stranger ever came near the place.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of
From this reading But either their friends and acquaintances lived too far away or were not invited to the house, for no stranger ever came near the place.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading Patricia compared the place to the island of the Lotus-eaters, and after the storms of her early experiences, she enjoyed to the full its calm seclusion.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Patricia compared the place to the island of the Lotus-eaters, and after the storms of her early experiences, she enjoyed to the full its calm seclusion.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading The Colpsters were a county family of respectable antiquity, and it was to be presumed that in the ordinary course of things they knew many people of their own rank.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading But either their friends and acquaintances lived too far away or were not invited to the house, for no stranger ever came near the place.
Lotus-eaters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Patricia compared the place to the island of the Lotus-eaters, and after the storms of her early experiences, she enjoyed to the full its calm seclusion.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading The Colpsters were a county family of respectable antiquity, and it was to be presumed that in the ordinary course of things they knew many people of their own rank.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading But either their friends and acquaintances lived too far away or were not invited to the house, for no stranger ever came near the place.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Never was there so solitary a place.
not any; not one
From this reading But either their friends and acquaintances lived too far away or were not invited to the house, for no stranger ever came near the place.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But either their friends and acquaintances lived too far away or were not invited to the house, for no stranger ever came near the place.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But either their friends and acquaintances lived too far away or were not invited to the house, for no stranger ever came near the place.
a judge of a probate court
From this reading The Colpsters were a county family of respectable antiquity, and it was to be presumed that in the ordinary course of things they knew many people of their own rank.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading The Colpsters were a county family of respectable antiquity, and it was to be presumed that in the ordinary course of things they knew many people of their own rank.
Patricia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Patricia compared the place to the island of the Lotus-eaters, and after the storms of her early experiences, she enjoyed to the full its calm seclusion.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading The Colpsters were a county family of respectable antiquity, and it was to be presumed that in the ordinary course of things they knew many people of their own rank.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Patricia compared the place to the island of the Lotus-eaters, and after the storms of her early experiences, she enjoyed to the full its calm seclusion.
presumedverbUS /prəˈzuːmd/
past form of “presume” — take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
From this reading The Colpsters were a county family of respectable antiquity, and it was to be presumed that in the ordinary course of things they knew many people of their own rank.
a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another
From this reading The Colpsters were a county family of respectable antiquity, and it was to be presumed that in the ordinary course of things they knew many people of their own rank.
characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals
From this reading The Colpsters were a county family of respectable antiquity, and it was to be presumed that in the ordinary course of things they knew many people of their own rank.
seclusionnounUS /sɪˈkluːʒən/
the quality of being secluded from the presence or view of others
From this reading Patricia compared the place to the island of the Lotus-eaters, and after the storms of her early experiences, she enjoyed to the full its calm seclusion.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Patricia compared the place to the island of the Lotus-eaters, and after the storms of her early experiences, she enjoyed to the full its calm seclusion.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
with low volume
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
characterized by or preferring solitude
From this reading Never was there so solitary a place.
stormsnounUS /stɔːrmz/
plural of “storm” — a violent weather condition with winds 64-72 knots (11 on the Beaufort scale) and precipitation and thunder and lightning
From this reading Patricia compared the place to the island of the Lotus-eaters, and after the storms of her early experiences, she enjoyed to the full its calm seclusion.
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading But either their friends and acquaintances lived too far away or were not invited to the house, for no stranger ever came near the place.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Patricia compared the place to the island of the Lotus-eaters, and after the storms of her early experiences, she enjoyed to the full its calm seclusion.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The Colpsters were a county family of respectable antiquity, and it was to be presumed that in the ordinary course of things they knew many people of their own rank.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Never was there so solitary a place.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The Colpsters were a county family of respectable antiquity, and it was to be presumed that in the ordinary course of things they knew many people of their own rank.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading The Colpsters were a county family of respectable antiquity, and it was to be presumed that in the ordinary course of things they knew many people of their own rank.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Patricia compared the place to the island of the Lotus-eaters, and after the storms of her early experiences, she enjoyed to the full its calm seclusion.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading But either their friends and acquaintances lived too far away or were not invited to the house, for no stranger ever came near the place.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Life went so softly and gently at Beckleigh that it was like dwelling in an enchanted land, in a fabled heaven of drowsy ease.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The Colpsters were a county family of respectable antiquity, and it was to be presumed that in the ordinary course of things they knew many people of their own rank.
