Chapter XIX · Chapter 19

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

(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 All of them, however, appeared genuinely pleased to meet us.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The hall was a large and very fine one, most chastely decorated in a style which reminded one of the Etruscan.

any thing at all

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading All of them, however, appeared genuinely pleased to meet us.

accomplishment of an objective

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

contrived by art rather than nature

From this reading It was beautifully lighted by artificial means, but there were no visible lamps, the light being diffused over the hall as equally as daylight is diffused.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

a ceremonial dinner party for many people

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

in a beautiful manner

From this reading It was beautifully lighted by artificial means, but there were no visible lamps, the light being diffused over the hall as equally as daylight is diffused.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading It was beautifully lighted by artificial means, but there were no visible lamps, the light being diffused over the hall as equally as daylight is diffused.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

in a chaste and virtuous manner

From this reading The hall was a large and very fine one, most chastely decorated in a style which reminded one of the Etruscan.

a person who is in charge

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

without doubt or question

From this reading Many ladies were present, and clearly on entirely equal terms with the sterner sex.

in a hearty manner

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

a body serving in an administrative capacity

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside

From this reading It was beautifully lighted by artificial means, but there were no visible lamps, the light being diffused over the hall as equally as daylight is diffused.

provided with something intended to increase its beauty or distinction

From this reading The hall was a large and very fine one, most chastely decorated in a style which reminded one of the Etruscan.

(of light rays) subjected to scattering by reflection from a rough surface or transmission through a translucent material

From this reading It was beautifully lighted by artificial means, but there were no visible lamps, the light being diffused over the hall as equally as daylight is diffused.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Many ladies were present, and clearly on entirely equal terms with the sterner sex.

be identical or equivalent to

From this reading Many ladies were present, and clearly on entirely equal terms with the sterner sex.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading It was beautifully lighted by artificial means, but there were no visible lamps, the light being diffused over the hall as equally as daylight is diffused.

a native or inhabitant of ancient Etruria; the Etruscans influenced the Romans (who had suppressed them by about 200 BC)

From this reading The hall was a large and very fine one, most chastely decorated in a style which reminded one of the Etruscan.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading The hall was a large and very fine one, most chastely decorated in a style which reminded one of the Etruscan.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading All of them, however, appeared genuinely pleased to meet us.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading The hall was a large and very fine one, most chastely decorated in a style which reminded one of the Etruscan.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading All of them, however, appeared genuinely pleased to meet us.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading The hall was a large and very fine one, most chastely decorated in a style which reminded one of the Etruscan.

someone who mediates between speakers of different languages

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

past form of “introduce” — cause to come to know personally

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading It was beautifully lighted by artificial means, but there were no visible lamps, the light being diffused over the hall as equally as daylight is diffused.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was beautifully lighted by artificial means, but there were no visible lamps, the light being diffused over the hall as equally as daylight is diffused.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading Many ladies were present, and clearly on entirely equal terms with the sterner sex.

plural of “lamp” — an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading It was beautifully lighted by artificial means, but there were no visible lamps, the light being diffused over the hall as equally as daylight is diffused.

a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The hall was a large and very fine one, most chastely decorated in a style which reminded one of the Etruscan.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading It was beautifully lighted by artificial means, but there were no visible lamps, the light being diffused over the hall as equally as daylight is diffused.

set afire or burning

From this reading It was beautifully lighted by artificial means, but there were no visible lamps, the light being diffused over the hall as equally as daylight is diffused.

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 Many ladies were present, and clearly on entirely equal terms with the sterner sex.

imaginary people who live on the planet Mars

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading It was beautifully lighted by artificial means, but there were no visible lamps, the light being diffused over the hall as equally as daylight is diffused.

come together

From this reading All of them, however, appeared genuinely pleased to meet us.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

used to form the superlative

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

not any; not one

From this reading It was beautifully lighted by artificial means, but there were no visible lamps, the light being diffused over the hall as equally as daylight is diffused.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The hall was a large and very fine one, most chastely decorated in a style which reminded one of the Etruscan.

and nothing more

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

above and across; more than

From this reading It was beautifully lighted by artificial means, but there were no visible lamps, the light being diffused over the hall as equally as daylight is diffused.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

experiencing or manifesting pleasure

From this reading All of them, however, appeared genuinely pleased to meet us.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Many ladies were present, and clearly on entirely equal terms with the sterner sex.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

past form of “remind” — put in the mind of someone

From this reading The hall was a large and very fine one, most chastely decorated in a style which reminded one of the Etruscan.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

activities associated with sexual intercourse

From this reading Many ladies were present, and clearly on entirely equal terms with the sterner sex.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

comparative of “stern” — of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect

From this reading Many ladies were present, and clearly on entirely equal terms with the sterner sex.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading The hall was a large and very fine one, most chastely decorated in a style which reminded one of the Etruscan.

status with respect to the relations between people or groups

From this reading Many ladies were present, and clearly on entirely equal terms with the sterner sex.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

in or at that place or location

From this reading It was beautifully lighted by artificial means, but there were no visible lamps, the light being diffused over the hall as equally as daylight is diffused.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

precisely as stated

From this reading The hall was a large and very fine one, most chastely decorated in a style which reminded one of the Etruscan.

capable of being seen; or open to easy view

From this reading It was beautifully lighted by artificial means, but there were no visible lamps, the light being diffused over the hall as equally as daylight is diffused.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The hall was a large and very fine one, most chastely decorated in a style which reminded one of the Etruscan.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading The hall was a large and very fine one, most chastely decorated in a style which reminded one of the Etruscan.

which person or people

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading WE ATTEND A MARTIAN BANQUET On our arrival at the banqueting-hall we were most cordially received by Soranho, as Chief of the Council, who introduced us to a number of persons, several of whom were high officers of state; but, as only two or three of them knew anything of our language, Merna had to act as interpreter.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Many ladies were present, and clearly on entirely equal terms with the sterner sex.