used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
farther along in physical or mental development
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "I hear," cried the count to him, "that you are very busy working at my prelude, which I mean to present in honor of the prince.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
attendancenounUS /əˈtendəns/
the act of being present (at a meeting or event etc.)
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
baronessnounUS /ˈberənɪs/
a noblewoman who holds the rank of baron or who is the wife or widow of a baron
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
of surpassing excellence
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading "I hear," cried the count to him, "that you are very busy working at my prelude, which I mean to present in honor of the prince.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
a large and stately mansion
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
determine the number or amount of
From this reading "I hear," cried the count to him, "that you are very busy working at my prelude, which I mean to present in honor of the prince.
female equivalent of a count or earl
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading "I hear," cried the count to him, "that you are very busy working at my prelude, which I mean to present in honor of the prince.
cunninglyadverb
in an attractive manner
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
describingverbUS /dɪˈskraɪbɪŋ/
-ing form of “describe” — give a description of
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
dialoguenounUS /ˈdaɪəlɔːɡ/
a conversation between two persons
From this reading He spent the greater part of that night, and the whole of next morning, in the sedulous versification of the dialogue and songs.
distinctadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋkt/
(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
communicated in words
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
facultiesnounUS /ˈfækəltiz/
plural of “faculty” — one of the inherent cognitive or perceptual powers of the mind
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
good-morning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading He spent the greater part of that night, and the whole of next morning, in the sedulous versification of the dialogue and songs.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He spent the greater part of that night, and the whole of next morning, in the sedulous versification of the dialogue and songs.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading "I hear," cried the count to him, "that you are very busy working at my prelude, which I mean to present in honor of the prince.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
From this reading "I hear," cried the count to him, "that you are very busy working at my prelude, which I mean to present in honor of the prince.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I hear," cried the count to him, "that you are very busy working at my prelude, which I mean to present in honor of the prince.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading "I hear," cried the count to him, "that you are very busy working at my prelude, which I mean to present in honor of the prince.
come together
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading He spent the greater part of that night, and the whole of next morning, in the sedulous versification of the dialogue and songs.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "I hear," cried the count to him, "that you are very busy working at my prelude, which I mean to present in honor of the prince.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading He spent the greater part of that night, and the whole of next morning, in the sedulous versification of the dialogue and songs.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading He spent the greater part of that night, and the whole of next morning, in the sedulous versification of the dialogue and songs.
nobleadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊbəl/
impressive in appearance
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
parlornounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/
reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading He spent the greater part of that night, and the whole of next morning, in the sedulous versification of the dialogue and songs.
a separate part of a whole
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
preludenounUS /ˈpreɪluːd/
something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows
From this reading "I hear," cried the count to him, "that you are very busy working at my prelude, which I mean to present in honor of the prince.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
pretextnounUS /ˈpriːtekst/
something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
a male member of a royal family other than the sovereign (especially the son of a sovereign)
From this reading "I hear," cried the count to him, "that you are very busy working at my prelude, which I mean to present in honor of the prince.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
processverbUS /ˈprɑːses/
subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
quickenedverbUS /ˈkwɪkənd/
past form of “quicken” — move faster
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
past form of “render” — cause to become
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
requiringverbUS /riˈkwaɪərɪŋ/
-ing form of “require” — require as useful, just, or proper
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
express in words
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
sedulousadjective
marked by care and persistent effort
From this reading He spent the greater part of that night, and the whole of next morning, in the sedulous versification of the dialogue and songs.
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
plural of “song” — a short musical composition with words
From this reading He spent the greater part of that night, and the whole of next morning, in the sedulous versification of the dialogue and songs.
express in speech
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading He spent the greater part of that night, and the whole of next morning, in the sedulous versification of the dialogue and songs.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He spent the greater part of that night, and the whole of next morning, in the sedulous versification of the dialogue and songs.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
undertakingsnounUS /ˈʌndərteɪkɪŋz/
plural of “undertaking” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
versificationnoun
a metrical adaptation of something (e.g., of a prose text)
From this reading He spent the greater part of that night, and the whole of next morning, in the sedulous versification of the dialogue and songs.
precisely as stated
From this reading "I hear," cried the count to him, "that you are very busy working at my prelude, which I mean to present in honor of the prince.
vividnessnounUS /ˈvɪvədnəs/
interest and variety and intensity
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
warmlyadverbUS /ˈwɔːrmli/
in a hearty manner
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
at the time that
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
which person or people
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading He spent the greater part of that night, and the whole of next morning, in the sedulous versification of the dialogue and songs.
Wilhelm's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
wishingnounUS /ˈwɪʃɪŋ/
a specific feeling of desire
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
in the company of; together with
From this reading He had proceeded a considerable way, when a message came, requiring his attendance in the castle: the noble company, who were then at breakfast, wished to speak with him.
actively engaged in paid work
From this reading "I hear," cried the count to him, "that you are very busy working at my prelude, which I mean to present in honor of the prince.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading As he entered the parlor, the baroness advanced to meet him, and, under pretext of wishing him good-morning, whispered cunningly, "Say nothing of your piece but what you shall be asked."
zealnounUS /ziːl/
a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)
From this reading The interest in his undertakings, which the countess and her friend expressed and felt so warmly, quickened Wilhelm's faculties and zeal: the plan of his piece, which the process of describing it had rendered more distinct, was now present in the most brilliant vividness before his mind.
