used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
how long something has existed
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
(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 To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading Below, and already shadowed by the trees beyond from the sun’s rays, was a small Dutch garden, its walks and beds showing up faintly in the gathering gloom.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
bedsnounUS /bedz/
plural of “bed” — a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading Below, and already shadowed by the trees beyond from the sun’s rays, was a small Dutch garden, its walks and beds showing up faintly in the gathering gloom.
beeches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
BelowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading Below, and already shadowed by the trees beyond from the sun’s rays, was a small Dutch garden, its walks and beds showing up faintly in the gathering gloom.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Below, and already shadowed by the trees beyond from the sun’s rays, was a small Dutch garden, its walks and beds showing up faintly in the gathering gloom.
blurringverbUS /ˈblɜːrɪŋ/
inflected form of “blur” — become glassy; lose clear vision
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
celebratedadjectiveUS /ˈseləbreɪtɪd/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
cornices
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
curvenounUS /kɜːrv/
the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
past form of “disappear” — get lost, as without warning or explanation
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
operate or control a vehicle
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
DutchadjectiveUS /dʌtʃ/
of or relating to the Netherlands or its people or culture
From this reading Below, and already shadowed by the trees beyond from the sun’s rays, was a small Dutch garden, its walks and beds showing up faintly in the gathering gloom.
dyingadjectiveUS /ˈdaɪɪŋ/
in or associated with the process of passing from life or ceasing to be
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
a division of the United Kingdom
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
faintlyadverbUS /ˈfeɪntli/
to a faint degree or weakly perceived
From this reading Below, and already shadowed by the trees beyond from the sun’s rays, was a small Dutch garden, its walks and beds showing up faintly in the gathering gloom.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
finelyadverbUS /ˈfaɪnli/
in tiny pieces
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading This impression was not lessened by the outlook from the terrace in front.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading This impression was not lessened by the outlook from the terrace in front.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading Below, and already shadowed by the trees beyond from the sun’s rays, was a small Dutch garden, its walks and beds showing up faintly in the gathering gloom.
a group of persons together in one place
From this reading Below, and already shadowed by the trees beyond from the sun’s rays, was a small Dutch garden, its walks and beds showing up faintly in the gathering gloom.
GeorgiannounUS /ˈdʒɔːrdʒən/
a native or resident of the American state of Georgia
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
a state of partial or total darkness
From this reading Below, and already shadowed by the trees beyond from the sun’s rays, was a small Dutch garden, its walks and beds showing up faintly in the gathering gloom.
of an achromatic color of any lightness intermediate between the extremes of white and black
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading This impression was not lessened by the outlook from the terrace in front.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading This impression was not lessened by the outlook from the terrace in front.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
the month following June and preceding August
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
lessenedadjectiveUS /ˈlesənd/
impaired by diminution
From this reading This impression was not lessened by the outlook from the terrace in front.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
LucenounUS /luːs/
United States publisher of magazines (1898-1967)
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
ManornounUS /ˈmænər/
the mansion of a lord or wealthy person
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
masonrynounUS /ˈmeɪsənri/
structure built of stone or brick by a mason
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
mellowingnounUS /ˈmeloʊɪŋ/
the process of becoming mellow
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
mouldingsnounUS /ˈmoʊldɪŋz/
plural of “moulding” — a decorative strip used for ornamentation or finishing
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading This impression was not lessened by the outlook from the terrace in front.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
outlinesnounUS /ˈaʊtlaɪnz/
plural of “outline” — the line that appears to bound an object
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
outlooknounUS /ˈaʊtlʊk/
a habitual or characteristic mental attitude that determines how you will interpret and respond to situations
From this reading This impression was not lessened by the outlook from the terrace in front.
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
raysnounUS /reɪz/
plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)
From this reading Below, and already shadowed by the trees beyond from the sun’s rays, was a small Dutch garden, its walks and beds showing up faintly in the gathering gloom.
precisely, exactly
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
rosily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
rowsnounUS /roʊz/
plural of “row” — an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
ruraladjectiveUS /ˈrʊrəl/
living in or characteristic of farming or country life
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
securitynounUS /sɪˈkjʊrəti/
the state of being free from danger or injury
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
shadowedadjectiveUS /ˈʃædoʊd/
filled with shade
From this reading Below, and already shadowed by the trees beyond from the sun’s rays, was a small Dutch garden, its walks and beds showing up faintly in the gathering gloom.
inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
the display of a motion picture
From this reading Below, and already shadowed by the trees beyond from the sun’s rays, was a small Dutch garden, its walks and beds showing up faintly in the gathering gloom.
the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Below, and already shadowed by the trees beyond from the sun’s rays, was a small Dutch garden, its walks and beds showing up faintly in the gathering gloom.
yielding readily to pressure or weight
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
softeningnounUS /ˈsɔːfənɪŋ/
the process of becoming softer
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
solidadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləd/
characterized by good substantial quality
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
be standing; be upright
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
summitnounUS /ˈsʌmət/
the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
sun'snounUS /sʌnz/
possessive form of “sun” — the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading Below, and already shadowed by the trees beyond from the sun’s rays, was a small Dutch garden, its walks and beds showing up faintly in the gathering gloom.
confined on all sides
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
possessing sweep
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
symbolicaladjective
relating to or using or proceeding by means of symbols
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
terracenounUS /ˈterəs/
usually paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
From this reading This impression was not lessened by the outlook from the terrace in front.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This impression was not lessened by the outlook from the terrace in front.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading To the right the drive swept off in an easy curve until it disappeared between two rows of beeches, celebrated in all the county round for their age and size.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Below, and already shadowed by the trees beyond from the sun’s rays, was a small Dutch garden, its walks and beds showing up faintly in the gathering gloom.
upper-classadjective
occupying the highest socioeconomic position in a society
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
walksnounUS /wɔːks/
plural of “walk” — the act of traveling by foot
From this reading Below, and already shadowed by the trees beyond from the sun’s rays, was a small Dutch garden, its walks and beds showing up faintly in the gathering gloom.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This impression was not lessened by the outlook from the terrace in front.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The dying sun of a July evening shone rosily on the old Georgian house of Luce Manor, mellowing the cold grey of the masonry, bringing out with soft shadow its cornices and mouldings, and softening and blurring its hard outlines.
extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
From this reading A fine old house, finely set on the summit of a low hill, and surrounded by wonderful old trees, it seemed to stand symbolical of the peace, security, and solid comfort of upper-class rural England.
