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Veranilda
Veranilda

Chapter XXIX

Cover illustration for Veranilda
Context Illustration Reading 1/29 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
* * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.
Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.
All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.
To divert a hungry populace, now six months besieged, Bessas was offering entertainments such as suited the Saturnalian season.
To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Veranilda

Chapter XXIX

Reading 1/29 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
* * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.
Line 2
Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.
Line 3
All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.
Line 4
To divert a hungry populace, now six months besieged, Bessas was offering entertainments such as suited the Saturnalian season.
Line 5
To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Because conjunction US /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading “To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.”

Beside preposition US /bɪˈsaɪd/

next to; at the side of

From this reading “Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “* * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.”

Half noun US /half/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.”

Here noun US /here/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.”

Part noun US /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.”

Scarce adjective US /skɛrs/

hard to find or in short supply

From this reading “All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.”

Wind noun US /wind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.”

All words in this reading · 115

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading * * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.

afar

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

From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

All

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

From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading To divert a hungry populace, now six months besieged, Bessas was offering entertainments such as suited the Saturnalian season.

assembly

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading * * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

BesideprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪd/

next to; at the side of

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

besieged

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

From this reading To divert a hungry populace, now six months besieged, Bessas was offering entertainments such as suited the Saturnalian season.

Bessas

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

From this reading To divert a hungry populace, now six months besieged, Bessas was offering entertainments such as suited the Saturnalian season.

blew

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

From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

brazier

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

brilliantly

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

From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

casting

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

charcoal

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

chariots

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

Circus

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

cloak

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

companions

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

day

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

From this reading * * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.

divert

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

From this reading To divert a hungry populace, now six months besieged, Bessas was offering entertainments such as suited the Saturnalian season.

dozen

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

dusk

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

enough

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

entertainments

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

From this reading To divert a hungry populace, now six months besieged, Bessas was offering entertainments such as suited the Saturnalian season.

face

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

fiftieth

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

fill

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

forms

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

glimmer

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

glistened

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

From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

glowed

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading * * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.

grouped

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

halfnounUS /half/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

Heliodora

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

From this reading * * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading * * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.

herenounUS /here/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

hood

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

hour

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

From this reading * * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.

house

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

From this reading * * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.

hungry

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

From this reading To divert a hungry populace, now six months besieged, Bessas was offering entertainments such as suited the Saturnalian season.

imposing

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading * * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.

invited

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

Maximus

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

months

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

From this reading To divert a hungry populace, now six months besieged, Bessas was offering entertainments such as suited the Saturnalian season.

mountain

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

From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

musing

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

From this reading * * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

now

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

From this reading To divert a hungry populace, now six months besieged, Bessas was offering entertainments such as suited the Saturnalian season.

number

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading * * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.

offering

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

From this reading To divert a hungry populace, now six months besieged, Bessas was offering entertainments such as suited the Saturnalian season.

olden

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading * * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.

only

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

partnounUS /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

populace

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

From this reading To divert a hungry populace, now six months besieged, Bessas was offering entertainments such as suited the Saturnalian season.

presented

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

provided

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

Quirinal

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

From this reading * * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.

Rome

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

From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

sat

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

From this reading * * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.

Saturnalian

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

From this reading To divert a hungry populace, now six months besieged, Bessas was offering entertainments such as suited the Saturnalian season.

scarceadjectiveUS /skɛrs/

hard to find or in short supply

From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

scarlet

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

sculptured

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

season

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

From this reading To divert a hungry populace, now six months besieged, Bessas was offering entertainments such as suited the Saturnalian season.

shadowed

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

shone

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

From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

shows

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

simultaneously

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

six

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

From this reading To divert a hungry populace, now six months besieged, Bessas was offering entertainments such as suited the Saturnalian season.

snowy

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

From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

softened

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

From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

space

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

spectacle

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

spectators

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

streets

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From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading To divert a hungry populace, now six months besieged, Bessas was offering entertainments such as suited the Saturnalian season.

suited

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From this reading To divert a hungry populace, now six months besieged, Bessas was offering entertainments such as suited the Saturnalian season.

sullenly

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

From this reading * * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.

summits

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

From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

sun

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

From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

sundown

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

From this reading * * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading * * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.

there

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

thundered

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

ToparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading To divert a hungry populace, now six months besieged, Bessas was offering entertainments such as suited the Saturnalian season.

To-day

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

vast

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

warm

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

whole

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

From this reading To-day he had invited Rome to the Circus Maximus, where, because no spectacle could be provided imposing enough to fill the whole vast space, half a dozen shows were presented simultaneously; the spectators grouped here and there, in number not a fiftieth part of that assembly which thundered at the chariots in olden time.

windnounUS /wind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading All day the sun had shone brilliantly, but it glistened afar on snowy summits, and scarce softened the mountain wind which blew through the streets of Rome.

winter's

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

From this reading * * * * On a winter's day, at the hour of sundown, Heliodora sat in her great house on the Quirinal, musing sullenly.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.

wrapped

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

From this reading Beside her a brazier of charcoal glowed in the dusk, casting a warm glimmer upon the sculptured forms which were her only companions; she was wrapped in a scarlet cloak, with a hood which shadowed her face.