used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading And so, without a word, I rose and followed my guides as they led me along the gloomy corridors of the castle that had been my home since birth.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading For years I had been expecting it, ever since my father, the Baron Kralitz, had revealed to me the secret and the curse that hung over our ancient house.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading As I blinked to clear my sleep-dimmed eyes, one of them beckoned impatiently, and suddenly I realized the purpose of this midnight summons.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As I blinked to clear my sleep-dimmed eyes, one of them beckoned impatiently, and suddenly I realized the purpose of this midnight summons.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
inflected form of “awake” — stop sleeping
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
a nobleman (in various countries) of varying rank
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
beckonedverbUS /ˈbekənd/
past form of “beckon” — signal with the hands or nod
From this reading As I blinked to clear my sleep-dimmed eyes, one of them beckoned impatiently, and suddenly I realized the purpose of this midnight summons.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading For years I had been expecting it, ever since my father, the Baron Kralitz, had revealed to me the secret and the curse that hung over our ancient house.
next to; at the side of
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
the time when something begins (especially life)
From this reading And so, without a word, I rose and followed my guides as they led me along the gloomy corridors of the castle that had been my home since birth.
black-swathed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
blinkedverbUS /blɪŋkt/
past form of “blink” — briefly shut the eyes
From this reading As I blinked to clear my sleep-dimmed eyes, one of them beckoned impatiently, and suddenly I realized the purpose of this midnight summons.
blursnounUS /blɜːrz/
plural of “blur” — a hazy or indistinct representation
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading And so, without a word, I rose and followed my guides as they led me along the gloomy corridors of the castle that had been my home since birth.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
rid of obstructions
From this reading As I blinked to clear my sleep-dimmed eyes, one of them beckoned impatiently, and suddenly I realized the purpose of this midnight summons.
corridorsnounUS /ˈkɔːrɪdərz/
plural of “corridor” — an enclosed passageway; rooms usually open onto it
From this reading And so, without a word, I rose and followed my guides as they led me along the gloomy corridors of the castle that had been my home since birth.
profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
From this reading For years I had been expecting it, ever since my father, the Baron Kralitz, had revealed to me the secret and the curse that hung over our ancient house.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
eldestadjectiveUS /ˈeldəst/
first in order of birth
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
at any time
From this reading For years I had been expecting it, ever since my father, the Baron Kralitz, had revealed to me the secret and the curse that hung over our ancient house.
-ing form of “expect” — regard something as probable or likely
From this reading For years I had been expecting it, ever since my father, the Baron Kralitz, had revealed to me the secret and the curse that hung over our ancient house.
opinion or judgment
From this reading As I blinked to clear my sleep-dimmed eyes, one of them beckoned impatiently, and suddenly I realized the purpose of this midnight summons.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading For years I had been expecting it, ever since my father, the Baron Kralitz, had revealed to me the secret and the curse that hung over our ancient house.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading And so, without a word, I rose and followed my guides as they led me along the gloomy corridors of the castle that had been my home since birth.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For years I had been expecting it, ever since my father, the Baron Kralitz, had revealed to me the secret and the curse that hung over our ancient house.
plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
generationnounUS /ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃən/
all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
a state of partial or total darkness
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
depressingly dark
From this reading And so, without a word, I rose and followed my guides as they led me along the gloomy corridors of the castle that had been my home since birth.
guidesnounUS /ɡaɪdz/
plural of “guide” — someone employed to conduct others
From this reading And so, without a word, I rose and followed my guides as they led me along the gloomy corridors of the castle that had been my home since birth.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading For years I had been expecting it, ever since my father, the Baron Kralitz, had revealed to me the secret and the curse that hung over our ancient house.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading And so, without a word, I rose and followed my guides as they led me along the gloomy corridors of the castle that had been my home since birth.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading For years I had been expecting it, ever since my father, the Baron Kralitz, had revealed to me the secret and the curse that hung over our ancient house.
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading For years I had been expecting it, ever since my father, the Baron Kralitz, had revealed to me the secret and the curse that hung over our ancient house.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
impartedverbUS /ˌɪmˈpɑːrtɪd/
past form of “impart” — transmit (knowledge or skills)
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
impatientlyadverbUS /ˌɪmˈpeɪʃəntli/
with impatience; in an impatient manner
From this reading As I blinked to clear my sleep-dimmed eyes, one of them beckoned impatiently, and suddenly I realized the purpose of this midnight summons.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading For years I had been expecting it, ever since my father, the Baron Kralitz, had revealed to me the secret and the curse that hung over our ancient house.
Kralitz
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading And so, without a word, I rose and followed my guides as they led me along the gloomy corridors of the castle that had been my home since birth.
legendaryadjectiveUS /ˈledʒənderi/
so celebrated as to having taken on the nature of a legend
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night
From this reading As I blinked to clear my sleep-dimmed eyes, one of them beckoned impatiently, and suddenly I realized the purpose of this midnight summons.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading As I blinked to clear my sleep-dimmed eyes, one of them beckoned impatiently, and suddenly I realized the purpose of this midnight summons.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading As I blinked to clear my sleep-dimmed eyes, one of them beckoned impatiently, and suddenly I realized the purpose of this midnight summons.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading For years I had been expecting it, ever since my father, the Baron Kralitz, had revealed to me the secret and the curse that hung over our ancient house.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading For years I had been expecting it, ever since my father, the Baron Kralitz, had revealed to me the secret and the curse that hung over our ancient house.
very light colored; highly diluted with white
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading As I blinked to clear my sleep-dimmed eyes, one of them beckoned impatiently, and suddenly I realized the purpose of this midnight summons.
inflected form of “ring” — sound loudly and sonorously
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading As I blinked to clear my sleep-dimmed eyes, one of them beckoned impatiently, and suddenly I realized the purpose of this midnight summons.
past form of “reveal” — make visible
From this reading For years I had been expecting it, ever since my father, the Baron Kralitz, had revealed to me the secret and the curse that hung over our ancient house.
revelationnounUS /ˌrevəˈleɪʃən/
the speech act of making something evident
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading And so, without a word, I rose and followed my guides as they led me along the gloomy corridors of the castle that had been my home since birth.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading For years I had been expecting it, ever since my father, the Baron Kralitz, had revealed to me the secret and the curse that hung over our ancient house.
shockingadjectiveUS /ˈʃɑːkɪŋ/
glaringly vivid and graphic; marked by sensationalism
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
Sidenote
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
without speaking
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading For years I had been expecting it, ever since my father, the Baron Kralitz, had revealed to me the secret and the curse that hung over our ancient house.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
sleep-dimmed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I blinked to clear my sleep-dimmed eyes, one of them beckoned impatiently, and suddenly I realized the purpose of this midnight summons.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading And so, without a word, I rose and followed my guides as they led me along the gloomy corridors of the castle that had been my home since birth.
dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
a male human offspring
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
having a supporting base
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading As I blinked to clear my sleep-dimmed eyes, one of them beckoned impatiently, and suddenly I realized the purpose of this midnight summons.
summonsnounUS /ˈsʌmənz/
a request to be present
From this reading As I blinked to clear my sleep-dimmed eyes, one of them beckoned impatiently, and suddenly I realized the purpose of this midnight summons.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading As I blinked to clear my sleep-dimmed eyes, one of them beckoned impatiently, and suddenly I realized the purpose of this midnight summons.
in or at that place or location
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading And so, without a word, I rose and followed my guides as they led me along the gloomy corridors of the castle that had been my home since birth.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading As I blinked to clear my sleep-dimmed eyes, one of them beckoned impatiently, and suddenly I realized the purpose of this midnight summons.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
twenty-firstadjectiveUS /ˈtwentifɜːrst/
coming next after the twentieth in position
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading [Sidenote: _A story of the shocking revelation that came to the twenty-first Baron Kralitz_] I awoke from profound sleep to find two black-swathed forms standing silently beside me, their faces pale blurs in the gloom.
not known
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading And so, without a word, I rose and followed my guides as they led me along the gloomy corridors of the castle that had been my home since birth.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading And so, without a word, I rose and followed my guides as they led me along the gloomy corridors of the castle that had been my home since birth.
the words that are spoken
From this reading As I proceeded there rose up in my mind the stern face of my father, and in my ears rang his solemn words as he told me of the legendary curse of the House of Kralitz, the unknown secret that was imparted to the eldest son of each generation--at a certain time.
a late time of life
From this reading For years I had been expecting it, ever since my father, the Baron Kralitz, had revealed to me the secret and the curse that hung over our ancient house.
