Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

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

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

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

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

later than; following

From this reading As I learned in later years, the house had come into the possession of my father and mother after a period on their part of hard endeavor and unusual sacrifice.

(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 For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

a cherished desire

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

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

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

the month following March and preceding May

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

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

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

a particular environment or surrounding influence

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

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

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

brought into existence

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

rectangular block of clay baked by the sun or in a kiln; used as a building or paving material

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

possessive form of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading As I learned in later years, the house had come into the possession of my father and mother after a period on their part of hard endeavor and unusual sacrifice.

things that make you comfortable and at ease

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

past form of “comment” — make or write a comment on

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

unvarying in nature

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

make or cause to be or to become

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

English navigator who explored the Arctic while searching for the Northwest Passage (1550-1605)

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)

From this reading As I learned in later years, the house had come into the possession of my father and mother after a period on their part of hard endeavor and unusual sacrifice.

put up with something or somebody unpleasant

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

at any time

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

an act that fails

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading As I learned in later years, the house had come into the possession of my father and mother after a period on their part of hard endeavor and unusual sacrifice.

people in general (often used in the plural)

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

being ten more than thirty

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

many times at short intervals

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

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

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading As I learned in later years, the house had come into the possession of my father and mother after a period on their part of hard endeavor and unusual sacrifice.

29th President of the United States; two of his appointees were involved in the Teapot Dome scandal (1865-1823)

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

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

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

a physiological need for food; the consequence of food deprivation

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

third-person singular of “imply” — express or state indirectly

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

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

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

belonging to the class of nouns denoting nonliving things

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading As I learned in later years, the house had come into the possession of my father and mother after a period on their part of hard endeavor and unusual sacrifice.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

and nothing more

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading As I learned in later years, the house had come into the possession of my father and mother after a period on their part of hard endeavor and unusual sacrifice.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

a particular point in time

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

used to form the superlative

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading As I learned in later years, the house had come into the possession of my father and mother after a period on their part of hard endeavor and unusual sacrifice.

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading As I learned in later years, the house had come into the possession of my father and mother after a period on their part of hard endeavor and unusual sacrifice.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading As I learned in later years, the house had come into the possession of my father and mother after a period on their part of hard endeavor and unusual sacrifice.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

and nothing more

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

plural of “pang” — a sudden sharp feeling

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading As I learned in later years, the house had come into the possession of my father and mother after a period on their part of hard endeavor and unusual sacrifice.

an amount of time

From this reading As I learned in later years, the house had come into the possession of my father and mother after a period on their part of hard endeavor and unusual sacrifice.

the largest city in Pennsylvania; located in the southeastern part of the state on the Delaware river; site of Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed; site of the University of Pennsylvania

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading As I learned in later years, the house had come into the possession of my father and mother after a period on their part of hard endeavor and unusual sacrifice.

-ing form of “predominate” — be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

be shown or be found to be

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

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

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

possessive form of “richards” — English literary critic who collaborated with C. K. Ogden and contributed to the development of Basic English (1893-1979)

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform etc.

From this reading As I learned in later years, the house had come into the possession of my father and mother after a period on their part of hard endeavor and unusual sacrifice.

plural of “serve” — (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

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

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

the region of the United States lying to the south of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

undergo or be subjected to

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

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

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading As I learned in later years, the house had come into the possession of my father and mother after a period on their part of hard endeavor and unusual sacrifice.

in or at that place or location

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

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

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

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

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

coming next after the twentieth in position

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

marked by dissimilarity

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading As I learned in later years, the house had come into the possession of my father and mother after a period on their part of hard endeavor and unusual sacrifice.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

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

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading At the time of my brother's death the fact was frequently commented upon that, unlike most literary folk, he had never known what it was to be poor and to suffer the pangs of hunger and failure.

at the time that

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

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

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.

which person or people

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading For more than forty years this was our home in all that the word implies, and I do not believe that there was ever a moment when it was not the predominating influence in Richard's life and in his work.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading It was their ambition to add to this home not only the comforts and the beautiful inanimate things of life, but to create an atmosphere which would prove a constant help to those who lived under its roof--an inspiration to their children that should endure so long as they lived.

a late time of life

From this reading Richard Harding Davis was born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1864, but, so far as memory serves me, his life and mine began together several years later in the three-story brick house on South Twenty-first Street, to which we had just moved.