used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading GRAND RAPIDS THE "ELECT" I know a man whose wife is famous for her cooking.
a feeling of delight at being entertained
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading When they wish to give their friends an especial treat, the wife prepares the dinner; and it _is_ a treat, from "pigs in blankets" to strawberry shortcake.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading That is a strange thing for a prosperous and charming woman to be famous for to-day, but it is true.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading You might think then, if you did not understand him, that he was belittling her talent as a cook.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading That is a strange thing for a prosperous and charming woman to be famous for to-day, but it is true.
beginsnounUS /bɪˈɡɪnz/
plural of “begin” — Israeli statesman (born in Russia) who (as prime minister of Israel) negotiated a peace treaty with Anwar Sadat (then the president of Egypt) (1913-1992)
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
belittlingnounUS /bɪˈlɪtəlɪŋ/
a belittling comment
From this reading You might think then, if you did not understand him, that he was belittling her talent as a cook.
blanketsnounUS /ˈblæŋkəts/
plural of “blanket” — bedding that keeps a person warm in bed
From this reading When they wish to give their friends an especial treat, the wife prepares the dinner; and it _is_ a treat, from "pigs in blankets" to strawberry shortcake.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading That is a strange thing for a prosperous and charming woman to be famous for to-day, but it is true.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
pleasing or delighting
From this reading That is a strange thing for a prosperous and charming woman to be famous for to-day, but it is true.
prepare a hot meal
From this reading You might think then, if you did not understand him, that he was belittling her talent as a cook.
cookingnounUS /ˈkʊkɪŋ/
the act of preparing something (as food) by the application of heat
From this reading GRAND RAPIDS THE "ELECT" I know a man whose wife is famous for her cooking.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading You might think then, if you did not understand him, that he was belittling her talent as a cook.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading When they wish to give their friends an especial treat, the wife prepares the dinner; and it _is_ a treat, from "pigs in blankets" to strawberry shortcake.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
ELECTverbUS /ɪˈlekt/
select by a vote for an office or membership
From this reading GRAND RAPIDS THE "ELECT" I know a man whose wife is famous for her cooking.
especialadjectiveUS /əˈspeʃəl/
surpassing what is common or usual or expected
From this reading When they wish to give their friends an especial treat, the wife prepares the dinner; and it _is_ a treat, from "pigs in blankets" to strawberry shortcake.
widely known and esteemed
From this reading GRAND RAPIDS THE "ELECT" I know a man whose wife is famous for her cooking.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading GRAND RAPIDS THE "ELECT" I know a man whose wife is famous for her cooking.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading When they wish to give their friends an especial treat, the wife prepares the dinner; and it _is_ a treat, from "pigs in blankets" to strawberry shortcake.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading When they wish to give their friends an especial treat, the wife prepares the dinner; and it _is_ a treat, from "pigs in blankets" to strawberry shortcake.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading When they wish to give their friends an especial treat, the wife prepares the dinner; and it _is_ a treat, from "pigs in blankets" to strawberry shortcake.
of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope
From this reading GRAND RAPIDS THE "ELECT" I know a man whose wife is famous for her cooking.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading GRAND RAPIDS THE "ELECT" I know a man whose wife is famous for her cooking.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading You might think then, if you did not understand him, that he was belittling her talent as a cook.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
a married man; a woman's partner in marriage
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading GRAND RAPIDS THE "ELECT" I know a man whose wife is famous for her cooking.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading You might think then, if you did not understand him, that he was belittling her talent as a cook.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When they wish to give their friends an especial treat, the wife prepares the dinner; and it _is_ a treat, from "pigs in blankets" to strawberry shortcake.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading GRAND RAPIDS THE "ELECT" I know a man whose wife is famous for her cooking.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading That is a strange thing for a prosperous and charming woman to be famous for to-day, but it is true.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading GRAND RAPIDS THE "ELECT" I know a man whose wife is famous for her cooking.
a large number or amount
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading GRAND RAPIDS THE "ELECT" I know a man whose wife is famous for her cooking.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading You might think then, if you did not understand him, that he was belittling her talent as a cook.
mildadjectiveUS /maɪld/
moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
being perceived or observed
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
many times at short intervals
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
pigsnounUS /pɪɡz/
plural of “pig” — domestic swine
From this reading When they wish to give their friends an especial treat, the wife prepares the dinner; and it _is_ a treat, from "pigs in blankets" to strawberry shortcake.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
an expression of approval and commendation
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
preparesverbUS /priˈperz/
third-person singular of “prepare” — make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading When they wish to give their friends an especial treat, the wife prepares the dinner; and it _is_ a treat, from "pigs in blankets" to strawberry shortcake.
prosperousadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːspərəs/
in fortunate circumstances financially; moderately rich
From this reading That is a strange thing for a prosperous and charming woman to be famous for to-day, but it is true.
protestnounUS /ˈproʊtest/
a formal and solemn declaration of objection
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
feeling self-respect or pleasure in something by which you measure your self-worth; or being a reason for pride
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
RAPIDSnounUS /ˈræpədz/
plural of “rapid” — a part of a river where the current is very fast
From this reading GRAND RAPIDS THE "ELECT" I know a man whose wife is famous for her cooking.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
shortcakenounUS /ˈʃɔːrtkeɪk/
very short biscuit dough baked as individual biscuits or a round loaf; served with sweetened fruit and usually whipped cream
From this reading When they wish to give their friends an especial treat, the wife prepares the dinner; and it _is_ a treat, from "pigs in blankets" to strawberry shortcake.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading That is a strange thing for a prosperous and charming woman to be famous for to-day, but it is true.
strawberrynounUS /ˈstrɔːberi/
sweet fleshy red fruit
From this reading When they wish to give their friends an especial treat, the wife prepares the dinner; and it _is_ a treat, from "pigs in blankets" to strawberry shortcake.
talentnounUS /ˈtælənt/
natural abilities or qualities
From this reading You might think then, if you did not understand him, that he was belittling her talent as a cook.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading That is a strange thing for a prosperous and charming woman to be famous for to-day, but it is true.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading GRAND RAPIDS THE "ELECT" I know a man whose wife is famous for her cooking.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading When they wish to give their friends an especial treat, the wife prepares the dinner; and it _is_ a treat, from "pigs in blankets" to strawberry shortcake.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading You might think then, if you did not understand him, that he was belittling her talent as a cook.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When they wish to give their friends an especial treat, the wife prepares the dinner; and it _is_ a treat, from "pigs in blankets" to strawberry shortcake.
a special situation
From this reading That is a strange thing for a prosperous and charming woman to be famous for to-day, but it is true.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading You might think then, if you did not understand him, that he was belittling her talent as a cook.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading That is a strange thing for a prosperous and charming woman to be famous for to-day, but it is true.
to-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That is a strange thing for a prosperous and charming woman to be famous for to-day, but it is true.
interact in a certain way
From this reading When they wish to give their friends an especial treat, the wife prepares the dinner; and it _is_ a treat, from "pigs in blankets" to strawberry shortcake.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading That is a strange thing for a prosperous and charming woman to be famous for to-day, but it is true.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading You might think then, if you did not understand him, that he was belittling her talent as a cook.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading You might think then, if you did not understand him, that he was belittling her talent as a cook.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
at the time that
From this reading When they wish to give their friends an especial treat, the wife prepares the dinner; and it _is_ a treat, from "pigs in blankets" to strawberry shortcake.
belonging to which person
From this reading GRAND RAPIDS THE "ELECT" I know a man whose wife is famous for her cooking.
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading GRAND RAPIDS THE "ELECT" I know a man whose wife is famous for her cooking.
wife'snounUS /waɪfs/
possessive form of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
hope for; have a wish
From this reading When they wish to give their friends an especial treat, the wife prepares the dinner; and it _is_ a treat, from "pigs in blankets" to strawberry shortcake.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The husband is proud of his wife's cooking, but I have often noticed, and not without a mild amusement, that when we praise it past a certain point he begins to protest that there are lots of other things that she can do.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading That is a strange thing for a prosperous and charming woman to be famous for to-day, but it is true.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading You might think then, if you did not understand him, that he was belittling her talent as a cook.
