used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A POOR YOUNG MAN, AND A RICH YOUNG GIRL.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The apartment was decorated after the usual fashion of the olden time.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A POOR YOUNG MAN, AND A RICH YOUNG GIRL.
AntwerpnounUS /ˈæntwərp/
a busy port and financial center in northern Belgium on the Scheldt river; it has long been a center for the diamond industry and the first stock exchange was opened there in 1460
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
a suite of rooms usually on one floor of an apartment house
From this reading The apartment was decorated after the usual fashion of the olden time.
Arcady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
in addition to; as well as
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading In the drawing-room sat a gentleman turning over the leaves of a book.
cabinetnounUS /ˈkæbənət/
a piece of furniture resembling a cupboard with doors and shelves and drawers; for storage or display
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
carpetnounUS /ˈkɑːrpət/
floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
carvedadjectiveUS /kɑːrvd/
made for or formed by carving (“carven” is archaic or literary)
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
plural of “chair” — a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
chinanounUS /ˈtʃaɪnə/
a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
crooked-legged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
damesnounUS /deɪmz/
plural of “dame” — informal terms for a (young) woman
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
decoratedadjectiveUS /ˈdekəreɪtɪd/
provided with something intended to increase its beauty or distinction
From this reading The apartment was decorated after the usual fashion of the olden time.
represented in words especially with sharpness and detail
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the drawing-room sat a gentleman turning over the leaves of a book.
plural of “dream” — a series of mental images and emotions occurring during sleep
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
eloquencenounUS /ˈel.ə.kwəns/
Fluent, persuasive, and graceful speaking or writing. (Sự hùng biện, tài ăn nói lưu loát.)
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
embroideredverbUS /emˈbrɔɪdərd/
past form of “embroider” — decorate with needlework
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
to or in any or all places
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The apartment was decorated after the usual fashion of the olden time.
fireplacenounUS /ˈfaɪərpleɪs/
an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
fliesnounUS /flaɪz/
(theater) the space over the stage (out of view of the audience) used to store scenery (drop curtains)
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
a man of refinement
From this reading In the drawing-room sat a gentleman turning over the leaves of a book.
a young female
From this reading A POOR YOUNG MAN, AND A RICH YOUNG GIRL.
grossly offensive to decency or morality; causing horror
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the drawing-room sat a gentleman turning over the leaves of a book.
japanned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
lap-dog
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
From this reading In the drawing-room sat a gentleman turning over the leaves of a book.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading A POOR YOUNG MAN, AND A RICH YOUNG GIRL.
mantlepiecenoun
shelf that projects from wall above fireplace
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
obstructedadjectiveUS /əbˈstrʌktɪd/
shut off to passage or view or hindered from action
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In the drawing-room sat a gentleman turning over the leaves of a book.
oldenadjectiveUS /ˈoʊldən/
relating to time long past
From this reading The apartment was decorated after the usual fashion of the olden time.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
ornamentsnounUS /ˈɔːrnəmənts/
plural of “ornament” — something used to beautify
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading In the drawing-room sat a gentleman turning over the leaves of a book.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading A POOR YOUNG MAN, AND A RICH YOUNG GIRL.
portraitsnounUS /ˈpɔːrtrəts/
plural of “portrait” — a word picture of a person's appearance and character
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
powderedadjectiveUS /ˈpaʊdərd/
consisting of fine particles
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
recessverbUS /rɪˈses/
put into a recess
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
possessing material wealth
From this reading A POOR YOUNG MAN, AND A RICH YOUNG GIRL.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading In the drawing-room sat a gentleman turning over the leaves of a book.
screennounUS /skriːn/
a white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
marked by absence of sound
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
snappedverbUS /snæpt/
inflected form of “snap” — utter in an angry, sharp, or abrupt tone
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
tablesnounUS /ˈteɪbəlz/
plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In the drawing-room sat a gentleman turning over the leaves of a book.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
thresholdnounUS /ˈθreʃoʊld/
the starting point for a new state or experience
From this reading On the floor was a rich carpet from Antwerp, in the corner a japanned cabinet; everywhere crooked-legged tables and carved chairs obstructed the floor, and on the threshold a lap-dog snapped at the flies in his dreams.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The apartment was decorated after the usual fashion of the olden time.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading In the drawing-room sat a gentleman turning over the leaves of a book.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading The apartment was decorated after the usual fashion of the olden time.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The apartment was decorated after the usual fashion of the olden time.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Besides, there were portraits of powdered dames, and hideous china ornaments on the tall narrow mantlepiece; and an embroidered screen in the recess next the fireplace described with silent eloquence the life of Arcady.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading A POOR YOUNG MAN, AND A RICH YOUNG GIRL.
