used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
answeringadjectiveUS /ˈænsərɪŋ/
replying
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
arenanounUS /ərˈiːnə/
a particular environment or walk of life
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
aristocracynounUS /ˌerəˈstɑːkrəsi/
a privileged class holding hereditary titles
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
boxesnounUS /ˈbɑːksəz/
plural of “box” — a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
brightnessnounUS /ˈbraɪtnəs/
the location of a visual perception along a continuum from black to white
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
the people of Great Britain
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Then came a movement, and a low murmur of discontent, which the grandest efforts of the orchestra could not silence.
being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
colorsnounUS /ˈkʌlərz/
a flag that shows its nationality
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Then came a movement, and a low murmur of discontent, which the grandest efforts of the orchestra could not silence.
overfilled or compacted or concentrated
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
discontentnounUS /dɪskənˈtent/
a longing for something better than the present situation
From this reading Then came a movement, and a low murmur of discontent, which the grandest efforts of the orchestra could not silence.
(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
domenounUS /doʊm/
a concave shape whose distinguishing characteristic is that the concavity faces downward
From this reading The opera-house was full from floor to dome.
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading Then came a movement, and a low murmur of discontent, which the grandest efforts of the orchestra could not silence.
plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
FIRSTadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading THE FIRST PERFORMANCE.
flamingadjectiveUS /ˈfleɪmɪŋ/
informal intensifiers
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading The opera-house was full from floor to dome.
flower-garden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The opera-house was full from floor to dome.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading The opera-house was full from floor to dome.
garmentsnounUS /ˈɡɑːrmənts/
plural of “garment” — an article of clothing
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
gorgeouslyadverb
in an impressively beautiful manner
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
grandestadjectiveUS /ˈɡrændəst/
superlative of “grand” — of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope
From this reading Then came a movement, and a low murmur of discontent, which the grandest efforts of the orchestra could not silence.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
jewelsnounUS /ˈdʒuːəlz/
plural of “jewel” — a precious or semiprecious stone incorporated into a piece of jewelry
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
set afire or burning
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Then came a movement, and a low murmur of discontent, which the grandest efforts of the orchestra could not silence.
the force of workers available
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
a change of position that does not entail a change of location
From this reading Then came a movement, and a low murmur of discontent, which the grandest efforts of the orchestra could not silence.
multitudenounUS /ˈmʌltətuːd/
a large indefinite number
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
murmurnounUS /ˈmɜːrmər/
a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech
From this reading Then came a movement, and a low murmur of discontent, which the grandest efforts of the orchestra could not silence.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Then came a movement, and a low murmur of discontent, which the grandest efforts of the orchestra could not silence.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
opera-house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The opera-house was full from floor to dome.
orchestranounUS /ˈɔːrkəstrə/
a musical organization consisting of a group of instrumentalists including string players
From this reading Then came a movement, and a low murmur of discontent, which the grandest efforts of the orchestra could not silence.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
PERFORMANCEnounUS /pərˈfɔːrməns/
a dramatic or musical entertainment
From this reading THE FIRST PERFORMANCE.
rustleverbUS /ˈrʌsəl/
make a dry crackling sound
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading Then came a movement, and a low murmur of discontent, which the grandest efforts of the orchestra could not silence.
silkenadjectiveUS /ˈsɪlkən/
having a smooth, gleaming surface reflecting light
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
smilesnounUS /smaɪlz/
plural of “smile” — a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
splendornounUS /ˈsplen.dər/
Magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur and brilliance.
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE FIRST PERFORMANCE.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then came a movement, and a low murmur of discontent, which the grandest efforts of the orchestra could not silence.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
thickly-planted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
up to a particular time
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The opera-house was full from floor to dome.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The opera-house was full from floor to dome.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Then came a movement, and a low murmur of discontent, which the grandest efforts of the orchestra could not silence.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A cheerful multitude crowded the body of the house with smiling faces, and filled it with gay colors, till it shone out gorgeously, like a thickly-planted flower-garden.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading The boxes filled, more slowly; but, after half an hour of soft, silken rustle and answering smiles, they, too, were crowded with distinguished men and beautiful women of the British aristocracy, and the whole arena was lighted up with the splendor of their garments and the flaming brightness of their jewels.
