used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There was no light but that which came from a blazing fire, and which threw an irregular ruddy illumination upon everything, but no distinct vision.
abundantadjectiveUS /əˈbʌndənt/
present in great quantity
From this reading He saw the tall windows indefinitely draped, and looking not unlike three colossal women in abundant vague robes standing against the wall.
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading He saw the tall windows indefinitely draped, and looking not unlike three colossal women in abundant vague robes standing against the wall.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The drawing-room in Moray Place seemed in the partial gloom very large and lofty.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading In a smaller room behind, which opened from this, the firelight was still brighter, but still only partially lit up the darkness.
blazingadjectiveUS /ˈbleɪzɪŋ/
shining intensely
From this reading There was no light but that which came from a blazing fire, and which threw an irregular ruddy illumination upon everything, but no distinct vision.
brighteradjectiveUS /ˈbraɪtər/
comparative of “bright” — emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading In a smaller room behind, which opened from this, the firelight was still brighter, but still only partially lit up the darkness.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading There was no light but that which came from a blazing fire, and which threw an irregular ruddy illumination upon everything, but no distinct vision.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading There was no light but that which came from a blazing fire, and which threw an irregular ruddy illumination upon everything, but no distinct vision.
colossaladjectiveUS /kəˈlɑːsəl/
so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
From this reading He saw the tall windows indefinitely draped, and looking not unlike three colossal women in abundant vague robes standing against the wall.
comparativelyadverbUS /kəmˈperətɪvli/
in a relative manner; by comparison to something else
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading In a smaller room behind, which opened from this, the firelight was still brighter, but still only partially lit up the darkness.
distinctadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋkt/
(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality
From this reading There was no light but that which came from a blazing fire, and which threw an irregular ruddy illumination upon everything, but no distinct vision.
drapedadjectiveUS /dreɪpt/
covered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak
From this reading He saw the tall windows indefinitely draped, and looking not unlike three colossal women in abundant vague robes standing against the wall.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The drawing-room in Moray Place seemed in the partial gloom very large and lofty.
EdinburghnounUS /ˈedənbəroʊ/
the capital of Scotland; located in the Lothian Region on the south side of the Firth of Forth
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading There was no light but that which came from a blazing fire, and which threw an irregular ruddy illumination upon everything, but no distinct vision.
start firing a weapon
From this reading There was no light but that which came from a blazing fire, and which threw an irregular ruddy illumination upon everything, but no distinct vision.
firelightnoun
the light of a fire (especially in a fireplace)
From this reading In a smaller room behind, which opened from this, the firelight was still brighter, but still only partially lit up the darkness.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading There was no light but that which came from a blazing fire, and which threw an irregular ruddy illumination upon everything, but no distinct vision.
a state of partial or total darkness
From this reading The drawing-room in Moray Place seemed in the partial gloom very large and lofty.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He saw the tall windows indefinitely draped, and looking not unlike three colossal women in abundant vague robes standing against the wall.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
illuminationnounUS /ˌɪluːməˈneɪʃən/
a condition of spiritual awareness; divine illumination
From this reading There was no light but that which came from a blazing fire, and which threw an irregular ruddy illumination upon everything, but no distinct vision.
imposingadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpoʊzɪŋ/
impressive in appearance
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The drawing-room in Moray Place seemed in the partial gloom very large and lofty.
indefinitelyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdefənətli/
to an indefinite extent; for an indefinite time
From this reading He saw the tall windows indefinitely draped, and looking not unlike three colossal women in abundant vague robes standing against the wall.
irregularadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈreɡjələr/
contrary to rule or accepted order or general practice
From this reading There was no light but that which came from a blazing fire, and which threw an irregular ruddy illumination upon everything, but no distinct vision.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The drawing-room in Moray Place seemed in the partial gloom very large and lofty.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading There was no light but that which came from a blazing fire, and which threw an irregular ruddy illumination upon everything, but no distinct vision.
provided with artificial light
From this reading In a smaller room behind, which opened from this, the firelight was still brighter, but still only partially lit up the darkness.
loftyadjectiveUS /ˈlɔːfti/
of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
From this reading The drawing-room in Moray Place seemed in the partial gloom very large and lofty.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading He saw the tall windows indefinitely draped, and looking not unlike three colossal women in abundant vague robes standing against the wall.
MoraynounUS /mərˈeɪ/
family of brightly colored voracious eels of warm coastal waters; generally nonaggressive to humans but larger species are dangerous if provoked
From this reading The drawing-room in Moray Place seemed in the partial gloom very large and lofty.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
not any; not one
From this reading There was no light but that which came from a blazing fire, and which threw an irregular ruddy illumination upon everything, but no distinct vision.
no person; not anyone
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He saw the tall windows indefinitely draped, and looking not unlike three colossal women in abundant vague robes standing against the wall.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
and nothing more
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading In a smaller room behind, which opened from this, the firelight was still brighter, but still only partially lit up the darkness.
partialadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːrʃəl/
being or affecting only a part; not total
From this reading The drawing-room in Moray Place seemed in the partial gloom very large and lofty.
partiallyadverbUS /ˈpɑːrʃəli/
to some extent; in some degree; not wholly
From this reading In a smaller room behind, which opened from this, the firelight was still brighter, but still only partially lit up the darkness.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The drawing-room in Moray Place seemed in the partial gloom very large and lofty.
past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
possessing material wealth
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
robesnounUS /roʊbz/
plural of “robe” — any loose flowing garment
From this reading He saw the tall windows indefinitely draped, and looking not unlike three colossal women in abundant vague robes standing against the wall.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading In a smaller room behind, which opened from this, the firelight was still brighter, but still only partially lit up the darkness.
apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
ruddyadjectiveUS /ˈrʌdi/
inclined to a healthy reddish color often associated with outdoor life
From this reading There was no light but that which came from a blazing fire, and which threw an irregular ruddy illumination upon everything, but no distinct vision.
cut with a saw
From this reading He saw the tall windows indefinitely draped, and looking not unlike three colossal women in abundant vague robes standing against the wall.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The drawing-room in Moray Place seemed in the partial gloom very large and lofty.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
small or little relative to something else
From this reading In a smaller room behind, which opened from this, the firelight was still brighter, but still only partially lit up the darkness.
solidadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləd/
characterized by good substantial quality
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
having a supporting base
From this reading He saw the tall windows indefinitely draped, and looking not unlike three colossal women in abundant vague robes standing against the wall.
not in physical motion
From this reading In a smaller room behind, which opened from this, the firelight was still brighter, but still only partially lit up the darkness.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The drawing-room in Moray Place seemed in the partial gloom very large and lofty.
in or at that place or location
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In a smaller room behind, which opened from this, the firelight was still brighter, but still only partially lit up the darkness.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading He saw the tall windows indefinitely draped, and looking not unlike three colossal women in abundant vague robes standing against the wall.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading There was no light but that which came from a blazing fire, and which threw an irregular ruddy illumination upon everything, but no distinct vision.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
unlikeadjectiveUS /ənˈlaɪk/
marked by dissimilarity
From this reading He saw the tall windows indefinitely draped, and looking not unlike three colossal women in abundant vague robes standing against the wall.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading In a smaller room behind, which opened from this, the firelight was still brighter, but still only partially lit up the darkness.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading There was no light but that which came from a blazing fire, and which threw an irregular ruddy illumination upon everything, but no distinct vision.
not clearly expressed or understood
From this reading He saw the tall windows indefinitely draped, and looking not unlike three colossal women in abundant vague robes standing against the wall.
precisely as stated
From this reading The drawing-room in Moray Place seemed in the partial gloom very large and lofty.
a vivid mental image
From this reading There was no light but that which came from a blazing fire, and which threw an irregular ruddy illumination upon everything, but no distinct vision.
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading He saw the tall windows indefinitely draped, and looking not unlike three colossal women in abundant vague robes standing against the wall.
German conductor (1876-1962)
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
in or at the place that
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There was no light but that which came from a blazing fire, and which threw an irregular ruddy illumination upon everything, but no distinct vision.
which person or people
From this reading It must be remembered that Walter was accustomed only to the comparatively small rooms of an English country town where there was nobody who was very rich--and the solid, tall Edinburgh houses were imposing to him.
(trademark) an operating system with a graphical user interface
From this reading He saw the tall windows indefinitely draped, and looking not unlike three colossal women in abundant vague robes standing against the wall.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading He saw the tall windows indefinitely draped, and looking not unlike three colossal women in abundant vague robes standing against the wall.
