used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A DELICATE TASK.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
aptadjectiveUS /æpt/
(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
biggestadjectiveUS /ˈbɪɡəst/
superlative of “big” — above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading For what was the position of the man who had in his cupboard some unique pieces of china, or even in his coffers the biggest ruby or diamond in the world, as compared with his own?
showing who or what does the action
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
an occurrence of something
From this reading Only, as in the latter case, he grew not a little nervous for the safety of his unrivalled treasure.
chinanounUS /ˈtʃaɪnə/
a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world
From this reading For what was the position of the man who had in his cupboard some unique pieces of china, or even in his coffers the biggest ruby or diamond in the world, as compared with his own?
coffersnounUS /ˈkɑːfərz/
plural of “coffer” — an ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling or dome
From this reading For what was the position of the man who had in his cupboard some unique pieces of china, or even in his coffers the biggest ruby or diamond in the world, as compared with his own?
comparedverbUS /kəmˈperd/
past form of “compare” — examine and note the similarities or differences of
From this reading For what was the position of the man who had in his cupboard some unique pieces of china, or even in his coffers the biggest ruby or diamond in the world, as compared with his own?
cupboardnounUS /ˈkʌbərd/
a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space
From this reading For what was the position of the man who had in his cupboard some unique pieces of china, or even in his coffers the biggest ruby or diamond in the world, as compared with his own?
exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury
From this reading A DELICATE TASK.
delightsnounUS /dɪˈlaɪts/
plural of “delight” — a feeling of extreme pleasure or satisfaction
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
diamondnounUS /ˈdaɪmənd/
a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading For what was the position of the man who had in his cupboard some unique pieces of china, or even in his coffers the biggest ruby or diamond in the world, as compared with his own?
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
Erin's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
divisible by two
From this reading For what was the position of the man who had in his cupboard some unique pieces of china, or even in his coffers the biggest ruby or diamond in the world, as compared with his own?
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading Only, as in the latter case, he grew not a little nervous for the safety of his unrivalled treasure.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading For what was the position of the man who had in his cupboard some unique pieces of china, or even in his coffers the biggest ruby or diamond in the world, as compared with his own?
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
insistverbUS /ˌɪnˈsɪst/
be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
the emotion of great happiness
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)
From this reading Only, as in the latter case, he grew not a little nervous for the safety of his unrivalled treasure.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Only, as in the latter case, he grew not a little nervous for the safety of his unrivalled treasure.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
love-lock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading For what was the position of the man who had in his cupboard some unique pieces of china, or even in his coffers the biggest ruby or diamond in the world, as compared with his own?
Margaret
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
a form of address for a man
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
easily agitated
From this reading Only, as in the latter case, he grew not a little nervous for the safety of his unrivalled treasure.
not any; not one
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
noveltynounUS /ˈnɑːvəlti/
originality by virtue of being refreshingly novel
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
and nothing more
From this reading Only, as in the latter case, he grew not a little nervous for the safety of his unrivalled treasure.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading For what was the position of the man who had in his cupboard some unique pieces of china, or even in his coffers the biggest ruby or diamond in the world, as compared with his own?
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading For what was the position of the man who had in his cupboard some unique pieces of china, or even in his coffers the biggest ruby or diamond in the world, as compared with his own?
by chance
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole
From this reading For what was the position of the man who had in his cupboard some unique pieces of china, or even in his coffers the biggest ruby or diamond in the world, as compared with his own?
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading For what was the position of the man who had in his cupboard some unique pieces of china, or even in his coffers the biggest ruby or diamond in the world, as compared with his own?
the act of having and controlling property
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
plural of “right” — an abstract idea of that which is due to a person or governmental body by law or tradition or nature
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
rubynounUS /ˈruːbi/
a transparent piece of ruby that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading For what was the position of the man who had in his cupboard some unique pieces of china, or even in his coffers the biggest ruby or diamond in the world, as compared with his own?
the state of being certain that adverse effects will not be caused by some agent under defined conditions
From this reading Only, as in the latter case, he grew not a little nervous for the safety of his unrivalled treasure.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
Shakespeare'snounUS /ˈʃeɪkspiːrz/
possessive form of “shakespeare” — English poet and dramatist considered one of the greatest English writers (1564-1616)
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading For what was the position of the man who had in his cupboard some unique pieces of china, or even in his coffers the biggest ruby or diamond in the world, as compared with his own?
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading A DELICATE TASK.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.
From this reading Only, as in the latter case, he grew not a little nervous for the safety of his unrivalled treasure.
uniqueadjectiveUS /juːˈniːk/
radically distinctive and without equal
From this reading For what was the position of the man who had in his cupboard some unique pieces of china, or even in his coffers the biggest ruby or diamond in the world, as compared with his own?
unrivalledadjective
eminent beyond or above comparison
From this reading Only, as in the latter case, he grew not a little nervous for the safety of his unrivalled treasure.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
nonexistent
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What was wanting in the way of novelty was made up to him perhaps—for we may be sure Margaret did not insist upon her rights in the matter—by the sense of possession.
at the time that
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
which person or people
From this reading For what was the position of the man who had in his cupboard some unique pieces of china, or even in his coffers the biggest ruby or diamond in the world, as compared with his own?
in the company of; together with
From this reading For what was the position of the man who had in his cupboard some unique pieces of china, or even in his coffers the biggest ruby or diamond in the world, as compared with his own?
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading GREAT as had been Mr. Erin’s joy when he first looked on Shakespeare’s love-lock and love letter, it by no means wore off—as our violent delights are apt to do—as time went on.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading For what was the position of the man who had in his cupboard some unique pieces of china, or even in his coffers the biggest ruby or diamond in the world, as compared with his own?
