used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in the masterpieces of the world.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading He was much more attached to her than to any member of the family, always finding in her a congenial companion.
amiableadjectiveUS /ˈeɪmiəbəl/
disposed to please
From this reading She was an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman, greatly superior to her son and daughter, as well by nature as cultivation.
surrounded by; in the company of
From this reading Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in the masterpieces of the world.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in the masterpieces of the world.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He was much more attached to her than to any member of the family, always finding in her a congenial companion.
apartmentsnounUS /əˈpɑːrtmənts/
plural of “apartment” — a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
being joined in close association
From this reading He was much more attached to her than to any member of the family, always finding in her a congenial companion.
the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
churchesnounUS /ˈtʃɜːrtʃɪz/
plural of “church” — one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship
From this reading Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in the masterpieces of the world.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
having or capable of producing colors
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in the masterpieces of the world.
congenialadjectiveUS /kənˈdʒiːnjəl/
suitable to your needs
From this reading He was much more attached to her than to any member of the family, always finding in her a congenial companion.
unvarying in nature
From this reading Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in the masterpieces of the world.
cultivationnounUS /ˌkʌltɪˈveɪʃən/
socialization through training and education to develop one's mind or manners
From this reading She was an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman, greatly superior to her son and daughter, as well by nature as cultivation.
a female human offspring
From this reading She was an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman, greatly superior to her son and daughter, as well by nature as cultivation.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
elegantadjectiveUS /ˈeləɡənt/
refined and tasteful in appearance or behavior or style
From this reading She was an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman, greatly superior to her son and daughter, as well by nature as cultivation.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
a social unit living together
From this reading He was much more attached to her than to any member of the family, always finding in her a congenial companion.
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading He was much more attached to her than to any member of the family, always finding in her a congenial companion.
FlorencenounUS /ˈflɔːrəns/
a city in central Italy on the Arno; provincial capital of Tuscany; center of the Italian Renaissance from 14th to 16th centuries
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
galleriesnounUS /ˈɡæləriz/
plural of “gallery” — spectators at a golf or tennis match
From this reading Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in the masterpieces of the world.
glowingadjectiveUS /ˈɡloʊɪŋ/
highly enthusiastic
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
to an extraordinary extent or degree
From this reading She was an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman, greatly superior to her son and daughter, as well by nature as cultivation.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was much more attached to her than to any member of the family, always finding in her a congenial companion.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading He was much more attached to her than to any member of the family, always finding in her a congenial companion.
HowardnounUS /ˈhaʊərd/
English actor of stage and screen (1893-1943)
From this reading Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in the masterpieces of the world.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
intelligentadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtelədʒənt/
having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree
From this reading She was an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman, greatly superior to her son and daughter, as well by nature as cultivation.
a native or inhabitant of Italy
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
a polite name for any woman
From this reading Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in the masterpieces of the world.
masterpiecesnounUS /ˈmæstərpiːsəz/
plural of “masterpiece” — the most outstanding work of a creative artist or craftsman
From this reading Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in the masterpieces of the world.
one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading He was much more attached to her than to any member of the family, always finding in her a congenial companion.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He was much more attached to her than to any member of the family, always finding in her a congenial companion.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in the masterpieces of the world.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading He was much more attached to her than to any member of the family, always finding in her a congenial companion.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading She was an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman, greatly superior to her son and daughter, as well by nature as cultivation.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in the masterpieces of the world.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
Osborne'snounUS /ˈɔːzbɔːrnz/
possessive form of “osborne” — English playwright (1929-1994)
From this reading Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in the masterpieces of the world.
Osbornes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
an amount of time
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
preservedadjectiveUS /prəˈzɜːrvd/
prevented from decaying or spoiling and prepared for future use
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
rambledverbUS /ˈræmbəld/
past form of “ramble” — continue talking or writing in a desultory manner
From this reading Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in the masterpieces of the world.
possessing material wealth
From this reading Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in the masterpieces of the world.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She was an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman, greatly superior to her son and daughter, as well by nature as cultivation.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in the masterpieces of the world.
a male human offspring
From this reading She was an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman, greatly superior to her son and daughter, as well by nature as cultivation.
stagesnounUS /ˈsteɪdʒəz/
plural of “stage” — any distinct time period in a sequence of events
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
suitenounUS /swiːt/
a musical composition of several movements only loosely connected
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
of high or superior quality or performance
From this reading She was an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman, greatly superior to her son and daughter, as well by nature as cultivation.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading He was much more attached to her than to any member of the family, always finding in her a congenial companion.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in the masterpieces of the world.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
undimmedadjective
not made dim or less bright
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
untouchedadjectiveUS /ənˈtʌtʃt/
still full
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in the masterpieces of the world.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading She was an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman, greatly superior to her son and daughter, as well by nature as cultivation.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
in the company of; together with
From this reading As the period for which the Osbornes had engaged a suite of apartments (in an old palace) had drawn to a close, they proceeded with their guests by easy stages to Florence.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading She was an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman, greatly superior to her son and daughter, as well by nature as cultivation.
wonderfullyadverbUS /ˈwʌndərfəli/
(used as an intensifier) extremely well
From this reading Her beauty was wonderfully preserved; her fair hair untouched by time; her eyes undimmed; and a bright colour glowing in her cheeks as she walked along under the perfect blue of the Italian sky.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Mr. Howard was now Lady Osborne's constant companion, as they rambled about amongst the old churches, and through the galleries, so rich in the masterpieces of the world.
