used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now imminent was practically a most momentous one.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It must transform the light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture the hands that held and tried to conceal it.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now imminent was practically a most momentous one.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now imminent was practically a most momentous one.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
(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 "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
brethrennounUS /ˈbreðrən/
(plural) the lay members of a male religious order
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
To consume or be consumed by fire.
From this reading It must transform the light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture the hands that held and tried to conceal it.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now imminent was practically a most momentous one.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading They could only guard themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting it on the candlestick of a true and faithful profession.
candlesticknounUS /ˈkændəlstɪk/
a holder with sockets for candles
From this reading They could only guard themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting it on the candlestick of a true and faithful profession.
a teacher and prophet born in Bethlehem and active in Nazareth; his life and sermons form the basis for Christianity (circa 4 BC - AD 29)
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
comparisonnounUS /kəmˈperəsən/
the act of examining resemblances
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
prevent from being seen or discovered
From this reading It must transform the light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture the hands that held and tried to conceal it.
feeling or showing worry or solicitude
From this reading But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now imminent was practically a most momentous one.
a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration
From this reading But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now imminent was practically a most momentous one.
confessingverbUS /kənˈfesɪŋ/
-ing form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading They could only guard themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting it on the candlestick of a true and faithful profession.
destituteadjectiveUS /ˈdestətuːt/
poor enough to need help from others
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists
From this reading They could only guard themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting it on the candlestick of a true and faithful profession.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
exilesnounUS /ˈeɡzaɪlz/
plural of “exile” — a person who is voluntarily absent from home or country
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
steadfast in affection or allegiance
From this reading They could only guard themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting it on the candlestick of a true and faithful profession.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now imminent was practically a most momentous one.
start firing a weapon
From this reading It must transform the light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture the hands that held and tried to conceal it.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading They could only guard themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting it on the candlestick of a true and faithful profession.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
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 "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
a person who keeps watch over something or someone
From this reading They could only guard themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting it on the candlestick of a true and faithful profession.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading It must transform the light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture the hands that held and tried to conceal it.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading It must transform the light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture the hands that held and tried to conceal it.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
illuminatedadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈluːməneɪtəd/
provided with artificial light
From this reading It must transform the light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture the hands that held and tried to conceal it.
imminentadjectiveUS /ˈɪmənənt/
close in time; about to occur
From this reading But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now imminent was practically a most momentous one.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
injurynounUS /ˈɪndʒəri/
any physical damage to the body caused by violence or accident or fracture etc.
From this reading They could only guard themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting it on the candlestick of a true and faithful profession.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading It must transform the light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture the hands that held and tried to conceal it.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It must transform the light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture the hands that held and tried to conceal it.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
plural of “land” — the land on which real estate is located
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now imminent was practically a most momentous one.
go away from a place
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
Letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading It must transform the light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture the hands that held and tried to conceal it.
something that is lost
From this reading They could only guard themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting it on the candlestick of a true and faithful profession.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
the force of workers available
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
momentousadjectiveUS /moʊˈmentəs/
of very great significance
From this reading But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now imminent was practically a most momentous one.
monksnounUS /mʌŋks/
plural of “monk” — a male religious living in a cloister and devoting himself to contemplation and prayer and work
From this reading But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now imminent was practically a most momentous one.
used to form the superlative
From this reading But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now imminent was practically a most momentous one.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading It must transform the light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture the hands that held and tried to conceal it.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now imminent was practically a most momentous one.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading They could only guard themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting it on the candlestick of a true and faithful profession.
offencenoun
the action of attacking an enemy
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading They could only guard themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting it on the candlestick of a true and faithful profession.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now imminent was practically a most momentous one.
and nothing more
From this reading They could only guard themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting it on the candlestick of a true and faithful profession.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
by chance
From this reading They could only guard themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting it on the candlestick of a true and faithful profession.
possessionsnounUS /pəˈzeʃənz/
plural of “possession” — the act of having and controlling property
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
practicallyadverbUS /ˈpræktɪkli/
almost; nearly
From this reading But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now imminent was practically a most momentous one.
the body of people in a learned occupation
From this reading They could only guard themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting it on the candlestick of a true and faithful profession.
purchasedverbUS /ˈpɜːrtʃəst/
past form of “purchase” — obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
possessing material wealth
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
try to get or reach
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
the context and environment in which something is set
From this reading They could only guard themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting it on the candlestick of a true and faithful profession.
a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It must transform the light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture the hands that held and tried to conceal it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now imminent was practically a most momentous one.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading It must transform the light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture the hands that held and tried to conceal it.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading They could only guard themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting it on the candlestick of a true and faithful profession.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They could only guard themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting it on the candlestick of a true and faithful profession.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It must transform the light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture the hands that held and tried to conceal it.
tortureverbUS /ˈtɔːrtʃər/
torment emotionally or mentally
From this reading It must transform the light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture the hands that held and tried to conceal it.
in the direction of
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
transformverbUS /trænˈsfɔːrm/
subject to a mathematical transformation
From this reading It must transform the light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture the hands that held and tried to conceal it.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading It must transform the light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture the hands that held and tried to conceal it.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading They could only guard themselves from loss and injury, perhaps from destruction, by setting it on the candlestick of a true and faithful profession.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
voidadjectiveUS /vɔɪd/
lacking any legal or binding force
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now imminent was practically a most momentous one.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But as far at least as the monks were concerned, the conclusion now imminent was practically a most momentous one.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "Better," said the brethren to each other, "leave behind us the rich lands and possessions of our order; what are these things in comparison to a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man?
witnessesnounUS /ˈwɪtnəsəz/
plural of “witness” — someone who sees an event and reports what happened
From this reading Let us go forth and seek shelter in some foreign land, destitute exiles but faithful witnesses for Christ, having purchased to ourselves the liberty of confessing his name before men."
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It must transform the light that illuminated them into a fire that would burn and torture the hands that held and tried to conceal it.
