used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
(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 We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Emma, poor child! seemed almost ready to sink through the floor under the many astonished and reproving glances which she encountered; and my grandmother's countenance at first betokened a gathering storm.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading I mean," she continued, a little frightened at her own temerity, "were you ever as little as I am now?"
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic
From this reading Some of us began to cough, others used their pocket-handkerchiefs, and one and all waited in some anxiety for the effect.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I mean," she continued, a little frightened at her own temerity, "were you ever as little as I am now?"
filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
From this reading Emma, poor child! seemed almost ready to sink through the floor under the many astonished and reproving glances which she encountered; and my grandmother's countenance at first betokened a gathering storm.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Some of us began to cough, others used their pocket-handkerchiefs, and one and all waited in some anxiety for the effect.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
betokened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Emma, poor child! seemed almost ready to sink through the floor under the many astonished and reproving glances which she encountered; and my grandmother's countenance at first betokened a gathering storm.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
a young person of either sex
From this reading Emma, poor child! seemed almost ready to sink through the floor under the many astonished and reproving glances which she encountered; and my grandmother's countenance at first betokened a gathering storm.
coalnounUS /koʊl/
fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
without stop or interruption
From this reading I mean," she continued, a little frightened at her own temerity, "were you ever as little as I am now?"
coughverbUS /kɑːf/
exhale abruptly, as when one has a chest cold or congestion
From this reading Some of us began to cough, others used their pocket-handkerchiefs, and one and all waited in some anxiety for the effect.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading Emma, poor child! seemed almost ready to sink through the floor under the many astonished and reproving glances which she encountered; and my grandmother's countenance at first betokened a gathering storm.
dignifiedadjectiveUS /ˈdɪɡnəfaɪd/
having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading Some of us began to cough, others used their pocket-handkerchiefs, and one and all waited in some anxiety for the effect.
Emma
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
Emma's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
encounteredverbUS /ɪnˈkaʊntərd/
past form of “encounter” — come together
From this reading Emma, poor child! seemed almost ready to sink through the floor under the many astonished and reproving glances which she encountered; and my grandmother's countenance at first betokened a gathering storm.
at any time
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
all things; all of a situation
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
past form of “exclaim” — utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
expectationnounUS /ˌekspekˈteɪʃən/
belief about (or mental picture of) the future
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
start firing a weapon
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Emma, poor child! seemed almost ready to sink through the floor under the many astonished and reproving glances which she encountered; and my grandmother's countenance at first betokened a gathering storm.
fixingnounUS /ˈfɪksɪŋ/
the act of putting something in working order again
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
the inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
From this reading Emma, poor child! seemed almost ready to sink through the floor under the many astonished and reproving glances which she encountered; and my grandmother's countenance at first betokened a gathering storm.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Some of us began to cough, others used their pocket-handkerchiefs, and one and all waited in some anxiety for the effect.
made afraid
From this reading I mean," she continued, a little frightened at her own temerity, "were you ever as little as I am now?"
a group of persons together in one place
From this reading Emma, poor child! seemed almost ready to sink through the floor under the many astonished and reproving glances which she encountered; and my grandmother's countenance at first betokened a gathering storm.
a long fixed look
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
usually; as a rule
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
glancesnounUS /ˈɡlænsɪz/
plural of “glance” — a quick look
From this reading Emma, poor child! seemed almost ready to sink through the floor under the many astonished and reproving glances which she encountered; and my grandmother's countenance at first betokened a gathering storm.
grandmothernounUS /ˈɡrændmʌðər/
the mother of your father or mother
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
grandmother'snounUS /ˈɡrændmʌðərz/
possessive form of “grandmother” — the mother of your father or mother
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
gratenounUS /ɡreɪt/
a frame of iron bars to hold a fire
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
happilyadverbUS /ˈhæpəli/
in a joyous manner
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading I mean," she continued, a little frightened at her own temerity, "were you ever as little as I am now?"
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
incredulousadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkredʒələs/
not disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
interferedverbUS /ˌɪntərˈfɪrd/
past form of “interfere” — come between so as to be hindrance or obstacle
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading I mean," she continued, a little frightened at her own temerity, "were you ever as little as I am now?"
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
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 Emma, poor child! seemed almost ready to sink through the floor under the many astonished and reproving glances which she encountered; and my grandmother's countenance at first betokened a gathering storm.
a hard crystalline metamorphic rock that takes a high polish; used for sculpture and as building material
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading I mean," she continued, a little frightened at her own temerity, "were you ever as little as I am now?"
used to form the superlative
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
narrativesnounUS /ˈnærətɪvz/
plural of “narrative” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading I mean," she continued, a little frightened at her own temerity, "were you ever as little as I am now?"
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
on one occasion
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Some of us began to cough, others used their pocket-handkerchiefs, and one and all waited in some anxiety for the effect.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some of us began to cough, others used their pocket-handkerchiefs, and one and all waited in some anxiety for the effect.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading I mean," she continued, a little frightened at her own temerity, "were you ever as little as I am now?"
piledverbUS /paɪld/
past form of “pile” — arrange in stacks
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
pocket-handkerchiefs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Some of us began to cough, others used their pocket-handkerchiefs, and one and all waited in some anxiety for the effect.
polishedadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːlɪʃt/
perfected or made shiny and smooth
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading Emma, poor child! seemed almost ready to sink through the floor under the many astonished and reproving glances which she encountered; and my grandmother's countenance at first betokened a gathering storm.
preludenounUS /ˈpreɪluːd/
something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
gradual improvement or growth or development
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
relativenounUS /ˈrelətɪv/
a person related by blood or marriage
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
reprovingadjective
expressing reproof or reproach especially as a corrective
From this reading Emma, poor child! seemed almost ready to sink through the floor under the many astonished and reproving glances which she encountered; and my grandmother's countenance at first betokened a gathering storm.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Emma, poor child! seemed almost ready to sink through the floor under the many astonished and reproving glances which she encountered; and my grandmother's countenance at first betokened a gathering storm.
established or decided beyond dispute or doubt
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
marked by absence of sound
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
marked by correspondence or resemblance
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
sinkverbUS /sɪŋk/
fall or descend to a lower place or level
From this reading Emma, poor child! seemed almost ready to sink through the floor under the many astonished and reproving glances which she encountered; and my grandmother's countenance at first betokened a gathering storm.
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Some of us began to cough, others used their pocket-handkerchiefs, and one and all waited in some anxiety for the effect.
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
stoolnounUS /stuːl/
a simple seat without a back or arms
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
behave violently, as if in state of a great anger
From this reading Emma, poor child! seemed almost ready to sink through the floor under the many astonished and reproving glances which she encountered; and my grandmother's countenance at first betokened a gathering storm.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
temeritynounUS /təˈmerəti/
fearless daring
From this reading I mean," she continued, a little frightened at her own temerity, "were you ever as little as I am now?"
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Some of us began to cough, others used their pocket-handkerchiefs, and one and all waited in some anxiety for the effect.
inflected form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading Emma, poor child! seemed almost ready to sink through the floor under the many astonished and reproving glances which she encountered; and my grandmother's countenance at first betokened a gathering storm.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Emma, poor child! seemed almost ready to sink through the floor under the many astonished and reproving glances which she encountered; and my grandmother's countenance at first betokened a gathering storm.
not favored by fortune; marked or accompanied by or resulting in ill fortune
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Some of us began to cough, others used their pocket-handkerchiefs, and one and all waited in some anxiety for the effect.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading Some of us began to cough, others used their pocket-handkerchiefs, and one and all waited in some anxiety for the effect.
past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading Some of us began to cough, others used their pocket-handkerchiefs, and one and all waited in some anxiety for the effect.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
at the time that
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
in the company of; together with
From this reading We were all happily seated around the fire; the grate was piled up high with coal, and threw a bright reflection upon the polished marble--everything was ready to begin, when a most unfortunate question of my sister Emma's interfered with our progress.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading She had settled herself on a low stool at my grandmother's feet, and while we all sat in silent expectation of the "once upon a time," or "when I was young," which is generally the prelude to similar narratives, Emma suddenly started up, and fixing an incredulous gaze upon our dignified relative, exclaimed: "But were you _ever_ young, grandmother?
