used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
a positive feeling of liking
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
anew
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
move towards
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
weapons considered collectively
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
backgroundnounUS /ˈbækɡraʊnd/
a person's social heritage: previous experience or training
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading We were to be married on the morrow, and I was excited and was scarce myself.
the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
any cognitive content held as true
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
the chest considered as the place where secret thoughts are kept
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
plural of “cloud” — any collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
clustersnounUS /ˈklʌstərz/
plural of “cluster” — a grouping of a number of similar things
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
confoundedadjectiveUS /kənˈfaʊndɪd/
perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
courtshipnounUS /ˈkɔːrtʃɪp/
a man's courting of a woman; seeking the affections of a woman (usually with the hope of marriage)
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
creepingnounUS /ˈkriːpɪŋ/
a slow mode of locomotion on hands and knees or dragging the body
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
deliciousadjectiveUS /dɪˈlɪʃəs/
greatly pleasing or entertaining
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
(Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo-Christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; God created Eve from Adam's rib and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
(of persons) excessively affected by emotion
From this reading We were to be married on the morrow, and I was excited and was scarce myself.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
faireradjectiveUS /ˈferər/
comparative of “fair” — free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
fittingadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtɪŋ/
in harmony with the spirit of particular persons or occasion
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
flaxnounUS /flæks/
fiber of the flax plant that is made into thread and woven into linen fabric
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
floatingadjectiveUS /ˈfloʊtɪŋ/
borne up by or suspended in a liquid
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
something acquired without compensation
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
governednounUS /ˈɡʌvərnd/
the body of people who are citizens of a particular government
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
inspirationsnounUS /ˌɪnspərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “inspiration” — arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
departing or being caused to depart from the true vertical or horizontal
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
held dear
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
marginnounUS /ˈmɑːrdʒən/
the boundary line or the area immediately inside the boundary
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
joined in matrimony
From this reading We were to be married on the morrow, and I was excited and was scarce myself.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
the one or ones belonging to the person speaking
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
the light of the Moon
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
morrownounUS /ˈmɑːroʊ/
the next day
From this reading We were to be married on the morrow, and I was excited and was scarce myself.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading We were to be married on the morrow, and I was excited and was scarce myself.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
odoursnounUS /ˈoʊdərs/
plural of “odour” — the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
potencynounUS /ˈpoʊtənsi/
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
filled with bewilderment
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
quietnessnounUS /ˈkwaɪətnəs/
the property of making no sound
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
express in words
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
only a very short time before
From this reading We were to be married on the morrow, and I was excited and was scarce myself.
self-pitying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
in the near future
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
statuesqueadjectiveUS /ˌstætʃuːˈesk/
of size and dignity suggestive of a statue
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
subtleadjectiveUS /ˈsʌtəl/
difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
tangibleadjectiveUS /ˈtændʒəbəl/
perceptible by the senses especially the sense of touch
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading THE MARRIAGE EVE She had never looked fairer, for the full moonlight fell on her bosom and arms, and threw into her sweet face a statuesque quietness.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
toad's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
unworthyadjectiveUS /ənˈwɜːrði/
lacking in value or merit
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
vasenounUS /veɪs/
an open jar of glass or porcelain used as an ornament or to hold flowers
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
violetsnounUS /ˈvaɪələts/
plural of “violet” — any of numerous low-growing violas with small flowers
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading She was leaning against a great vase, from whose margin toad’s flax and creeping violets--flowers she loved--hung in clusters, with odours floating about in almost tangible clouds.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We were to be married on the morrow, and I was excited and was scarce myself.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
a Caucasian
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
belonging to which person
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading I dared not think of my courtship; for the knowledge that her affection was too great a gift--that I was indeed unworthy to approach that white, delicious creature whose subtle potency forced me against my will to love her--this knowledge, I say, confounded me beyond belief.
in the company of; together with
From this reading For a while the curious question of whether the garden were or not a fitting background for her beauty puzzled me; but soon, with a self-pitying smile, I gave my attention again to her whose inspirations governed mine.
