used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
(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 We have hardly mentioned the Nevski Prospekt, which street by ancient right must needs figure in all Russian romance.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A Japanese fan is but a Japanese fan, whether it hang on the wall of a Canadian drawing-room or the matting of an Indian bungalow.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading We have hardly mentioned the Nevski Prospekt, which street by ancient right must needs figure in all Russian romance.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading We have instead been prating of drawing-rooms and mere interiors of houses, which to-day are the same all the world over.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading We have instead been prating of drawing-rooms and mere interiors of houses, which to-day are the same all the world over.
bien
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
bungalownounUS /ˈbʌŋɡəloʊ/
a small house with a single story
From this reading A Japanese fan is but a Japanese fan, whether it hang on the wall of a Canadian drawing-room or the matting of an Indian bungalow.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A Japanese fan is but a Japanese fan, whether it hang on the wall of a Canadian drawing-room or the matting of an Indian bungalow.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading We have hardly mentioned the Nevski Prospekt, which street by ancient right must needs figure in all Russian romance.
CanadianadjectiveUS /kəˈneɪdiən/
of or relating to Canada or its people
From this reading A Japanese fan is but a Japanese fan, whether it hang on the wall of a Canadian drawing-room or the matting of an Indian bungalow.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
a visual attribute of things that results from the light they emit or transmit or reflect
From this reading THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
deep-laidadjective
secretly and carefully planned
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Japanese fan is but a Japanese fan, whether it hang on the wall of a Canadian drawing-room or the matting of an Indian bungalow.
drawing-rooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have instead been prating of drawing-rooms and mere interiors of houses, which to-day are the same all the world over.
entendu
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
fanverbUS /fæn/
strike out (a batter), (of a pitcher)
From this reading A Japanese fan is but a Japanese fan, whether it hang on the wall of a Canadian drawing-room or the matting of an Indian bungalow.
past form of “fear” — be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading We have hardly mentioned the Nevski Prospekt, which street by ancient right must needs figure in all Russian romance.
travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
grainnounUS /ɡreɪn/
a relatively small granular particle of a substance
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
be suspended or hanging
From this reading A Japanese fan is but a Japanese fan, whether it hang on the wall of a Canadian drawing-room or the matting of an Indian bungalow.
only a very short time before
From this reading We have hardly mentioned the Nevski Prospekt, which street by ancient right must needs figure in all Russian romance.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
Havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
hintsnounUS /hɪnts/
plural of “hint” — an indirect suggestion
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading We have instead been prating of drawing-rooms and mere interiors of houses, which to-day are the same all the world over.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures
From this reading A Japanese fan is but a Japanese fan, whether it hang on the wall of a Canadian drawing-room or the matting of an Indian bungalow.
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading We have instead been prating of drawing-rooms and mere interiors of houses, which to-day are the same all the world over.
interiorsnounUS /ˌɪnˈtɪriərz/
plural of “interior” — the region that is inside of something
From this reading We have instead been prating of drawing-rooms and mere interiors of houses, which to-day are the same all the world over.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
jail-birds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
JapanesenounUS /ˌdʒæpəˈniːz/
a native or inhabitant of Japan
From this reading A Japanese fan is but a Japanese fan, whether it hang on the wall of a Canadian drawing-room or the matting of an Indian bungalow.
the state of needing something that is absent or unavailable
From this reading THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
lamentableadjectiveUS /ləˈmentəbəl/
bad; unfortunate
From this reading THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
localadjectiveUS /ˈloʊkəl/
relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area
From this reading THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
mattingnounUS /ˈmætɪŋ/
a covering of coarse fabric (usually of straw or hemp)
From this reading A Japanese fan is but a Japanese fan, whether it hang on the wall of a Canadian drawing-room or the matting of an Indian bungalow.
past form of “mention” — make reference to
From this reading We have hardly mentioned the Nevski Prospekt, which street by ancient right must needs figure in all Russian romance.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading We have instead been prating of drawing-rooms and mere interiors of houses, which to-day are the same all the world over.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading We have hardly mentioned the Nevski Prospekt, which street by ancient right must needs figure in all Russian romance.
narrativenounUS /ˈnærətɪv/
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 THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
in such a manner as could not be otherwise
From this reading We have hardly mentioned the Nevski Prospekt, which street by ancient right must needs figure in all Russian romance.
Nevski
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have hardly mentioned the Nevski Prospekt, which street by ancient right must needs figure in all Russian romance.
not any; not one
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading A Japanese fan is but a Japanese fan, whether it hang on the wall of a Canadian drawing-room or the matting of an Indian bungalow.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading We have instead been prating of drawing-rooms and mere interiors of houses, which to-day are the same all the world over.
PetersburgnounUS /ˈpiːtərzbərɡ/
a town in southeastern Virginia (south of Richmond); scene of heavy fighting during the American Civil War
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
plotsnounUS /plɑːts/
plural of “plot” — a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
prating
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have instead been prating of drawing-rooms and mere interiors of houses, which to-day are the same all the world over.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
Prospekt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have hardly mentioned the Nevski Prospekt, which street by ancient right must needs figure in all Russian romance.
precisely, exactly
From this reading We have hardly mentioned the Nevski Prospekt, which street by ancient right must needs figure in all Russian romance.
a relationship between two lovers
From this reading We have hardly mentioned the Nevski Prospekt, which street by ancient right must needs figure in all Russian romance.
romanticadjectiveUS /roʊˈmæntɪk/
belonging to or characteristic of Romanticism or the Romantic Movement in the arts
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
a native or inhabitant of Russia
From this reading We have hardly mentioned the Nevski Prospekt, which street by ancient right must needs figure in all Russian romance.
with safety; in a safe manner
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
a compound formed by replacing hydrogen in an acid by a metal (or a radical that acts like a metal)
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
Identical; not different.
From this reading We have instead been prating of drawing-rooms and mere interiors of houses, which to-day are the same all the world over.
SPIDERnounUS /ˈspaɪdər/
predatory arachnid with eight legs, two poison fangs, two feelers, and usually two silk-spinning organs at the back end of the body; they spin silk to make cocoons for eggs or traps for prey
From this reading THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading We have hardly mentioned the Nevski Prospekt, which street by ancient right must needs figure in all Russian romance.
plural of “tale” — 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 Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
express in words
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
in or at that place or location
From this reading THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE SPIDER AND THE FLY It is to be feared that there is a lamentable lack of local color in the present narrative.
to-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have instead been prating of drawing-rooms and mere interiors of houses, which to-day are the same all the world over.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading A Japanese fan is but a Japanese fan, whether it hang on the wall of a Canadian drawing-room or the matting of an Indian bungalow.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading A Japanese fan is but a Japanese fan, whether it hang on the wall of a Canadian drawing-room or the matting of an Indian bungalow.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading We have hardly mentioned the Nevski Prospekt, which street by ancient right must needs figure in all Russian romance.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Having safely arrived at Petersburg, we have nothing to tell of that romantic city--no hints at deep-laid plots, no prison, nor tales of jail-birds--tales with salt on them, bien entendu--the usual grain.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading We have instead been prating of drawing-rooms and mere interiors of houses, which to-day are the same all the world over.
