abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
perfect or complete or pure
From this reading Spain has often been regarded as an absolute monarchy; an opinion, no doubt, founded on the absolute measures of her later sovereigns.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Spain has often been regarded as an absolute monarchy; an opinion, no doubt, founded on the absolute measures of her later sovereigns.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading List! hear ye, through the still and lonely night, The distant hymn of mournful voices roll Solemn and low?
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It is the burial rite; How deep its sadness sinks into the soul, As slow the passing bell wakes its far ling'ring knoll.
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Spain has often been regarded as an absolute monarchy; an opinion, no doubt, founded on the absolute measures of her later sovereigns.
a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
From this reading It is the burial rite; How deep its sadness sinks into the soul, As slow the passing bell wakes its far ling'ring knoll.
burialnounUS /ˈberiəl/
the ritual placing of a corpse in a grave
From this reading It is the burial rite; How deep its sadness sinks into the soul, As slow the passing bell wakes its far ling'ring knoll.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)
From this reading CHARLES SWAIN.
decreasedadjectiveUS /dɪˈkriːst/
made less in size or amount or degree
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading It is the burial rite; How deep its sadness sinks into the soul, As slow the passing bell wakes its far ling'ring knoll.
separated in space or coming from or going to a distance
From this reading List! hear ye, through the still and lonely night, The distant hymn of mournful voices roll Solemn and low?
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading Spain has often been regarded as an absolute monarchy; an opinion, no doubt, founded on the absolute measures of her later sovereigns.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading It is the burial rite; How deep its sadness sinks into the soul, As slow the passing bell wakes its far ling'ring knoll.
FerdinandnounUS /ˈfɜːrdɪnænd/
the king of Castile and Aragon who ruled jointly with his wife Isabella
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
firmnessnounUS /ˈfɜːrmnəs/
the muscle tone of healthy tissue
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
foundationnounUS /faʊnˈdeɪʃən/
the basis on which something is grounded
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
foundedverbUS /ˈfaʊndɪd/
past form of “found” — set up or found
From this reading Spain has often been regarded as an absolute monarchy; an opinion, no doubt, founded on the absolute measures of her later sovereigns.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Spain has often been regarded as an absolute monarchy; an opinion, no doubt, founded on the absolute measures of her later sovereigns.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading List! hear ye, through the still and lonely night, The distant hymn of mournful voices roll Solemn and low?
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Spain has often been regarded as an absolute monarchy; an opinion, no doubt, founded on the absolute measures of her later sovereigns.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is the burial rite; How deep its sadness sinks into the soul, As slow the passing bell wakes its far ling'ring knoll.
hymnnounUS /hɪm/
a song of praise (to God or to a saint or to a nation)
From this reading List! hear ye, through the still and lonely night, The distant hymn of mournful voices roll Solemn and low?
independentadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈpendənt/
free from external control and constraint
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading It is the burial rite; How deep its sadness sinks into the soul, As slow the passing bell wakes its far ling'ring knoll.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is the burial rite; How deep its sadness sinks into the soul, As slow the passing bell wakes its far ling'ring knoll.
IsabellanounUS /ˌɪzəˈbelə/
the queen of Castile whose marriage to Ferdinand of Aragon in 1469 marked the beginning of the modern state of Spain; they instituted the Spanish Inquisition in 1478 and sponsored the voyages of Christopher Columbus in 1492 (1451-1504)
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is the burial rite; How deep its sadness sinks into the soul, As slow the passing bell wakes its far ling'ring knoll.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading It is the burial rite; How deep its sadness sinks into the soul, As slow the passing bell wakes its far ling'ring knoll.
knollnounUS /noʊl/
a small natural hill
From this reading It is the burial rite; How deep its sadness sinks into the soul, As slow the passing bell wakes its far ling'ring knoll.
set down according to a plan
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Spain has often been regarded as an absolute monarchy; an opinion, no doubt, founded on the absolute measures of her later sovereigns.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
ling'ring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is the burial rite; How deep its sadness sinks into the soul, As slow the passing bell wakes its far ling'ring knoll.
give or make a list of; name individually; give the names of
From this reading List! hear ye, through the still and lonely night, The distant hymn of mournful voices roll Solemn and low?
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading List! hear ye, through the still and lonely night, The distant hymn of mournful voices roll Solemn and low?
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading List! hear ye, through the still and lonely night, The distant hymn of mournful voices roll Solemn and low?
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 Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
measuresnounUS /ˈmeʒərz/
plural of “measure” — any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading Spain has often been regarded as an absolute monarchy; an opinion, no doubt, founded on the absolute measures of her later sovereigns.
monarchynounUS /ˈmɑːnɑːrki/
an autocracy governed by a monarch who usually inherits the authority
From this reading Spain has often been regarded as an absolute monarchy; an opinion, no doubt, founded on the absolute measures of her later sovereigns.
mournfuladjectiveUS /ˈmɔːrnfəl/
expressing sorrow
From this reading List! hear ye, through the still and lonely night, The distant hymn of mournful voices roll Solemn and low?
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading List! hear ye, through the still and lonely night, The distant hymn of mournful voices roll Solemn and low?
not any; not one
From this reading Spain has often been regarded as an absolute monarchy; an opinion, no doubt, founded on the absolute measures of her later sovereigns.
noblesnounUS /ˈnoʊbəlz/
plural of “noble” — a titled peer of the realm
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading List! hear ye, through the still and lonely night, The distant hymn of mournful voices roll Solemn and low?
many times at short intervals
From this reading Spain has often been regarded as an absolute monarchy; an opinion, no doubt, founded on the absolute measures of her later sovereigns.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Spain has often been regarded as an absolute monarchy; an opinion, no doubt, founded on the absolute measures of her later sovereigns.
a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading Spain has often been regarded as an absolute monarchy; an opinion, no doubt, founded on the absolute measures of her later sovereigns.
(American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate
From this reading It is the burial rite; How deep its sadness sinks into the soul, As slow the passing bell wakes its far ling'ring knoll.
pettyadjectiveUS /ˈpetiː/
inferior in rank or status
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
prerogativenounUS /prɪˈrɑːɡətɪv/
a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right)
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
preservingverbUS /prəˈzɜːrvɪŋ/
-ing form of “preserve” — keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
past form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading Spain has often been regarded as an absolute monarchy; an opinion, no doubt, founded on the absolute measures of her later sovereigns.
reignverbUS /reɪn/
have sovereign power
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
ritenounUS /raɪt/
an established ceremony prescribed by a religion
From this reading It is the burial rite; How deep its sadness sinks into the soul, As slow the passing bell wakes its far ling'ring knoll.
move by turning over or rotating
From this reading List! hear ye, through the still and lonely night, The distant hymn of mournful voices roll Solemn and low?
royaladjectiveUS /ˈrɔɪəl/
of or relating to or indicative of or issued or performed by a king or queen or other monarch
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
sadnessnounUS /ˈsædnəs/
emotions experienced when not in a state of well-being
From this reading It is the burial rite; How deep its sadness sinks into the soul, As slow the passing bell wakes its far ling'ring knoll.
sinksnounUS /sɪŋks/
plural of “sink” — plumbing fixture consisting of a water basin fixed to a wall or floor and having a drainpipe
From this reading It is the burial rite; How deep its sadness sinks into the soul, As slow the passing bell wakes its far ling'ring knoll.
not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time
From this reading It is the burial rite; How deep its sadness sinks into the soul, As slow the passing bell wakes its far ling'ring knoll.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises
From this reading List! hear ye, through the still and lonely night, The distant hymn of mournful voices roll Solemn and low?
the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life
From this reading It is the burial rite; How deep its sadness sinks into the soul, As slow the passing bell wakes its far ling'ring knoll.
sovereignsnounUS /ˈsɑːvrənz/
plural of “sovereign” — a nation's ruler or head of state usually by hereditary right
From this reading Spain has often been regarded as an absolute monarchy; an opinion, no doubt, founded on the absolute measures of her later sovereigns.
SpainnounUS /speɪn/
a parliamentary monarchy in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula; a former colonial power
From this reading Spain has often been regarded as an absolute monarchy; an opinion, no doubt, founded on the absolute measures of her later sovereigns.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
not in physical motion
From this reading List! hear ye, through the still and lonely night, The distant hymn of mournful voices roll Solemn and low?
SWAINnounUS /sweɪn/
a man who is the lover of a man or woman
From this reading CHARLES SWAIN.
a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading List! hear ye, through the still and lonely night, The distant hymn of mournful voices roll Solemn and low?
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading List! hear ye, through the still and lonely night, The distant hymn of mournful voices roll Solemn and low?
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading List! hear ye, through the still and lonely night, The distant hymn of mournful voices roll Solemn and low?
wakesnounUS /weɪks/
plural of “wake” — the consequences of an event (especially a catastrophic event)
From this reading It is the burial rite; How deep its sadness sinks into the soul, As slow the passing bell wakes its far ling'ring knoll.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
which person or people
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Ferdinand and Isabella certainly laid the foundation of the royal prerogative by the firmness and ability with which they decreased the power of the nobles, who, until their reign, had been like so many petty sovereigns, each with his independent state, and preserving his authority by the sword alone.
an old word for “you”, speaking to more than one person
From this reading List! hear ye, through the still and lonely night, The distant hymn of mournful voices roll Solemn and low?
