used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading There is no question of a novel, but of a physical phenomenon, an _absolutely natural_ phenomenon, the explanation of which, when it comes to be known, is also _absolutely natural_.
inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
anew
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
(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 AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
in addition
From this reading There is no question of a novel, but of a physical phenomenon, an _absolutely natural_ phenomenon, the explanation of which, when it comes to be known, is also _absolutely natural_.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
arbitraryadjectiveUS /ˈɑːrbətreri/
based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
calculatingadjectiveUS /ˈkælkjəleɪtɪŋ/
acting with a specific goal
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract
From this reading There is no question of a novel, but of a physical phenomenon, an _absolutely natural_ phenomenon, the explanation of which, when it comes to be known, is also _absolutely natural_.
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
contrivedadjectiveUS /kənˈtraɪvd/
showing effects of planning or manipulation
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
culminationnounUS /ˌkʌlməˈneɪʃən/
a final climactic stage
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
developmentnounUS /dɪˈveləpmənt/
act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
dramanounUS /ˈdrɑːmə/
a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
eighteenadjectiveUS /eɪˈtiːn/
being one more than seventeen
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
EXECUTIONnounUS /ˌeksəˈkjuːʃən/
putting a condemned person to death
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading There is no question of a novel, but of a physical phenomenon, an _absolutely natural_ phenomenon, the explanation of which, when it comes to be known, is also _absolutely natural_.
explanationsnounUS /ˌekspləˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “explanation” — a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
expositionsnounUS /ˌekspəˈzɪʃənz/
plural of “exposition” — a systematic interpretation or explanation (usually written) of a specific topic
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading And when this obscure, illogical drama was over, you questioned what you had seen, just as you question the nightmare which wakes you from your sleep.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
plural of “idea” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
illogicaladjectiveUS /ˌɪˈlɑːdʒɪkəl/
lacking in correct logical relation
From this reading And when this obscure, illogical drama was over, you questioned what you had seen, just as you question the nightmare which wakes you from your sleep.
illusionnounUS /ˌɪˈluːʒən/
an erroneous mental representation
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
illusionsnounUS /ˌɪˈluːʒənz/
plural of “illusion” — an erroneous mental representation
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
and nothing more
From this reading And when this obscure, illogical drama was over, you questioned what you had seen, just as you question the nightmare which wakes you from your sleep.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading There is no question of a novel, but of a physical phenomenon, an _absolutely natural_ phenomenon, the explanation of which, when it comes to be known, is also _absolutely natural_.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading There is no question of a novel, but of a physical phenomenon, an _absolutely natural_ phenomenon, the explanation of which, when it comes to be known, is also _absolutely natural_.
in such a manner as could not be otherwise
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
in spite of what has just been said
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
nightmarenounUS /ˈnaɪt.mɛr/
A terrifying or distressing dream.
From this reading And when this obscure, illogical drama was over, you questioned what you had seen, just as you question the nightmare which wakes you from your sleep.
not any; not one
From this reading There is no question of a novel, but of a physical phenomenon, an _absolutely natural_ phenomenon, the explanation of which, when it comes to be known, is also _absolutely natural_.
not one, and not any
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
obscureverbUS /əbsˈkjʊr/
make less visible or unclear
From this reading And when this obscure, illogical drama was over, you questioned what you had seen, just as you question the nightmare which wakes you from your sleep.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
opticaladjectiveUS /ˈɑːptɪkəl/
of or relating to or involving light or optics
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading And when this obscure, illogical drama was over, you questioned what you had seen, just as you question the nightmare which wakes you from your sleep.
partook
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
phenomenonnounUS /fəˈnɑːmənɑːn/
any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning
From this reading There is no question of a novel, but of a physical phenomenon, an _absolutely natural_ phenomenon, the explanation of which, when it comes to be known, is also _absolutely natural_.
involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit
From this reading There is no question of a novel, but of a physical phenomenon, an _absolutely natural_ phenomenon, the explanation of which, when it comes to be known, is also _absolutely natural_.
plotnounUS /plɑːt/
a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
preliminaryadjectiveUS /prɪˈlɪməneri/
denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
pseudo-scientific
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading And when this obscure, illogical drama was over, you questioned what you had seen, just as you question the nightmare which wakes you from your sleep.
past form of “question” — challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading And when this obscure, illogical drama was over, you questioned what you had seen, just as you question the nightmare which wakes you from your sleep.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
plural of “second” — 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading And when this obscure, illogical drama was over, you questioned what you had seen, just as you question the nightmare which wakes you from your sleep.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading And when this obscure, illogical drama was over, you questioned what you had seen, just as you question the nightmare which wakes you from your sleep.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
spectatornounUS /ˈspekteɪtər/
a close observer; someone who looks at something (such as an exhibition of some kind)
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There is no question of a novel, but of a physical phenomenon, an _absolutely natural_ phenomenon, the explanation of which, when it comes to be known, is also _absolutely natural_.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading There is no question of a novel, but of a physical phenomenon, an _absolutely natural_ phenomenon, the explanation of which, when it comes to be known, is also _absolutely natural_.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
precisely as stated
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
wakesnounUS /weɪks/
plural of “wake” — the consequences of an event (especially a catastrophic event)
From this reading And when this obscure, illogical drama was over, you questioned what you had seen, just as you question the nightmare which wakes you from your sleep.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And when this obscure, illogical drama was over, you questioned what you had seen, just as you question the nightmare which wakes you from your sleep.
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading And when this obscure, illogical drama was over, you questioned what you had seen, just as you question the nightmare which wakes you from your sleep.
at the time that
From this reading And when this obscure, illogical drama was over, you questioned what you had seen, just as you question the nightmare which wakes you from your sleep.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading AN EXECUTION It must be understood that, notwithstanding the explanations which I must needs offer, the development of all these events took but very little time: exactly eighteen seconds, as I had the opportunity of calculating afterwards.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading Nevertheless it must be said that none of all this partook in any way of those absurd optical illusions which are so easily contrived or of those arbitrary ideas on which a whole pseudo-scientific novel is sometimes built up.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But, during these eighteen seconds--and this again I observed on many an occasion--the spectator received the illusion of watching a complete drama, with its preliminary expositions, its plot and its culmination.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading And when this obscure, illogical drama was over, you questioned what you had seen, just as you question the nightmare which wakes you from your sleep.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading And when this obscure, illogical drama was over, you questioned what you had seen, just as you question the nightmare which wakes you from your sleep.
