Chapter XXXIV · Chapter 34

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

From this reading Some, it is true, adopted a rather disdainful air, to let it be seen that they were accustomed to better things—of course they were!

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading Some, it is true, adopted a rather disdainful air, to let it be seen that they were accustomed to better things—of course they were!

acquired as your own by free choice

From this reading Some, it is true, adopted a rather disdainful air, to let it be seen that they were accustomed to better things—of course they were!

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Afterwards, they began to be more at ease, shaking their fists playfully, with pats on the shoulders, and even familiar slaps on the back.

a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of

From this reading Some, it is true, adopted a rather disdainful air, to let it be seen that they were accustomed to better things—of course they were!

affected manners intended to impress others

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

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

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

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

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading Afterwards, they began to be more at ease, shaking their fists playfully, with pats on the shoulders, and even familiar slaps on the back.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Afterwards, they began to be more at ease, shaking their fists playfully, with pats on the shoulders, and even familiar slaps on the back.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Afterwards, they began to be more at ease, shaking their fists playfully, with pats on the shoulders, and even familiar slaps on the back.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

(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 Some, it is true, adopted a rather disdainful air, to let it be seen that they were accustomed to better things—of course they were!

a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

characterized by pomp and ceremony and stately display

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

plural of “clerk” — an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Some, it is true, adopted a rather disdainful air, to let it be seen that they were accustomed to better things—of course they were!

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

From this reading THE FIESTA “Danzar sobre un volcán.”

plural of “decoration” — something used to beautify

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

expressing extreme contempt

From this reading Some, it is true, adopted a rather disdainful air, to let it be seen that they were accustomed to better things—of course they were!

plural of “divinity” — any supernatural being worshipped as controlling some part of the world or some aspect of life or who is the personification of a force

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

move gently or carefully

From this reading Afterwards, they began to be more at ease, shaking their fists playfully, with pats on the shoulders, and even familiar slaps on the back.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

divisible by two

From this reading Afterwards, they began to be more at ease, shaking their fists playfully, with pats on the shoulders, and even familiar slaps on the back.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading Afterwards, they began to be more at ease, shaking their fists playfully, with pats on the shoulders, and even familiar slaps on the back.

an elaborate party (often outdoors)

From this reading THE FIESTA “Danzar sobre un volcán.”

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

plural of “fist” — a hand with the fingers clenched in the palm (as for hitting)

From this reading Afterwards, they began to be more at ease, shaking their fists playfully, with pats on the shoulders, and even familiar slaps on the back.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

set up or found

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

an article of tableware made of glass

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

a female deity

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

superlative of “grave” — dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

plural of “greeting” — (usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

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

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

feeling hunger; feeling a need or desire to eat food

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

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

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

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

From this reading Some, it is true, adopted a rather disdainful air, to let it be seen that they were accustomed to better things—of course they were!

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Some, it is true, adopted a rather disdainful air, to let it be seen that they were accustomed to better things—of course they were!

of less size or importance

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading Some, it is true, adopted a rather disdainful air, to let it be seen that they were accustomed to better things—of course they were!

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

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 By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

plural of “merchant” — a businessperson engaged in retail trade

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

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

From this reading Afterwards, they began to be more at ease, shaking their fists playfully, with pats on the shoulders, and even familiar slaps on the back.

used to form the superlative

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Some, it is true, adopted a rather disdainful air, to let it be seen that they were accustomed to better things—of course they were!

plural of “official” — a worker who holds or is invested with an office

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Afterwards, they began to be more at ease, shaking their fists playfully, with pats on the shoulders, and even familiar slaps on the back.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

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

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

plural of “pat” — the sound made by a gentle blow

From this reading Afterwards, they began to be more at ease, shaking their fists playfully, with pats on the shoulders, and even familiar slaps on the back.

inferior in rank or status

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

in a playful manner

From this reading Afterwards, they began to be more at ease, shaking their fists playfully, with pats on the shoulders, and even familiar slaps on the back.

past form of “quarrel” — have a disagreement over something

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

on the contrary

From this reading Some, it is true, adopted a rather disdainful air, to let it be seen that they were accustomed to better things—of course they were!

in the manner of someone who is very hungry

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

past form of “remark” — make mention of

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Some, it is true, adopted a rather disdainful air, to let it be seen that they were accustomed to better things—of course they were!

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

the act of causing something to move up and down (or back and forth) with quick movements

From this reading Afterwards, they began to be more at ease, shaking their fists playfully, with pats on the shoulders, and even familiar slaps on the back.

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

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading Afterwards, they began to be more at ease, shaking their fists playfully, with pats on the shoulders, and even familiar slaps on the back.

plural of “slap” — a blow from a flat object (as an open hand)

From this reading Afterwards, they began to be more at ease, shaking their fists playfully, with pats on the shoulders, and even familiar slaps on the back.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

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

From this reading THE FIESTA “Danzar sobre un volcán.”

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Some, it is true, adopted a rather disdainful air, to let it be seen that they were accustomed to better things—of course they were!

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

From this reading THE FIESTA “Danzar sobre un volcán.”

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Afterwards, they began to be more at ease, shaking their fists playfully, with pats on the shoulders, and even familiar slaps on the back.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Some, it is true, adopted a rather disdainful air, to let it be seen that they were accustomed to better things—of course they were!

threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

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

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading Some, it is true, adopted a rather disdainful air, to let it be seen that they were accustomed to better things—of course they were!

an organization of independent states formed in 1945 to promote international peace and security

From this reading THE FIESTA “Danzar sobre un volcán.”

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

From this reading THE FIESTA “Danzar sobre un volcán.”

lacking refinement or cultivation or taste

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

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

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

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

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

during the time that

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

which person or people

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.

in the company of; together with

From this reading By seven in the evening the guests had begun to arrive: first, the lesser divinities, petty government officials, clerks, and merchants, with the most ceremonious greetings and the gravest airs at the start, as if they were parvenus, for so much light, so many decorations, and so much glassware had some effect.

past form of “yawn” — utter a yawn, as from lack of oxygen or when one is tired

From this reading There was one goddess who yawned, for she found everything vulgar and even remarked that she was ravenously hungry, while another quarreled with her god, threatening to box his ears.